Atlanta Falcons: Birds Grind Out Tough Win vs. Bucs
Falcons Earn Hard Fought Win Over Rivals
Falcons Earn Tough Win (Brian Blanco)
The naysayers will keep finding ways to doubt the Falcons and their close wins. As Terry Bradshaw said today, “the Falcons are winning, but they just aren’t dominating.” Strahan chimes in that if they play too many close games, they may eventually lose one, maybe in January.” The fact is that the Falcons beat a very good division opponent who’s been one of the hottest teams in the NFL on the road, while still not even coming close to playing their best football. Sure, it wasn’t pretty at times and downright ugly others, but overall the Falcons won another tough game on the road, improved to 10-1 (which is still tied for the best record in the NFL), and essentially own a 4 game division lead with 5 games to go. A short week lies ahead in yet another enormous game, this time to the rival Saints, who handed the Falcons their only loss. A look at the Falcons big win over the Bucs………..
Huge Win Over a Streaking Rival on the Road
Some still say the Falcons aren’t winning big enough or dominating, but the fact remains that they are winning and have done so 10 times out of 11. There are those that continue to believe the Falcons are a House of Cards and that’s somehow projecting to another playoff failure. However, you can’t have it both ways and sing the praises of a team that’s one of the hottest in the NFL and when a win is achieved, it somehow wasn’t pretty enough. This wasn’t the Cardinals, Panthers, or Raiders, it was a division opponent who’s been playing really good football lately. Of course it wasn’t always pretty, but the Falcons overcame two turnovers and plenty of missed opportunities to get it done yet again. This time it was against a tough team on the road.
Samuel Gives a Heroic Effort
Julio's Career Day (Brian Blanco)
Most believed that the trade for Asante Samuel would lead to a much needed infusion of attitude and swagger the Falcons have sorely missed. Well, that surely has had a good impact, but the former All-Pro cornerback turned in an effort worthy of heroic proportions. With the Falcons either clinging to a tiny lead or having to come back to win the game on the road, Samuel willed himself in the game while visibly being injured. Several times it was possible to think that he may have separated his shoulder and be out for the year. He gutted it out through pain and suffering knowing how important the game was and epitomized heart and effort. He dropped a few potential interceptions, but seeing the amount of pain he was in, it became completely understandable. If anyone wondered about Samuel’s ability to back up his boisterous personality on the field, all those questions were answered with authority and then some with his gutty performance.
Super and Stout Run Defense
The belief among many was that rookie running back phenom Doug Martin would run laps over and around the Falcons porous run defense. It’s been a struggle pretty much all year and Martin has been tearing up the league the last few weeks. The Falcons defense bowed their necks and found a way to corral and stop the streaking running back. Martin did score two touchdowns, but the Birds held the former Boise State RB at 50 yards on 21 carries. Only the Washington Redskins held Martin to fewer yards (33) and that was only on 8 carries. Twice the defense kept the Falcons in the game after two costly turnovers and played a huge role overall in the game. They may not be a dominant defense just yet, but they are getting it done when they need to, especially regarding points and keeping hot players in check.
What Will it Take?
Time to Give Quizz the Rock (Reinhold Matay)
No point in beating a dead horse, but it’s impossible to ignore the elephant in the room. What will it take for Coach Smith and OC Koetter to give Jacquizz Rodgers the start and the vast majority of carries over Michael Turner. Smith and Koetter are “gradually” giving Rodgers more looks and he’s not disappointing. He had 49 yards on 10 carries and chipped in another 2 catches for 30 yards. And that’s not even including the huge return that Rodgers had to set up the game winning drive. This is not to say that Turner doesn’t have a place on the team, but as Cage Member Paddy O suggested, perhaps the Falcons should look to use Turner in more goal-line situations the way the Steelers did with Jerome Bettis towards the end of his career.
Maybe it’s unfair to just compare the numbers, but Turner averaged a meager 1.3 yards, gaining 17 yards on 13 carries, and that’s including a long run of 9 yards. Again, it might not be his fault as much as poor run play-calling, but it’s time to hand over the keys to Jacquizz Rodgers as the Falcons primary back. It doesn’t mean that Turner shouldn’t see the field anymore, but the evidence has also become insurmountable. Remember that it was Coach Smith himself who proclaimed that Rodgers was not exclusively a 3rd down back long ago in preseason.
Better Pass Rush
The Falcons only came away with 2 total sacks (one by Biermann and the other by D.Robinson), but they pressured Josh Freeman very well on Sunday. They didn’t seem to get to him too much early on, but the they surely did as the game wore on. Many times it was seen that Freeman was getting hit as he released the ball and having to pick himself up after the play. In fact, at least one of the would-be picks came after Freeman was getting hit while throwing the ball. John Abraham was getting his usual pressure and Jonathan Babineaux seemed to almost exclusively play defensive end much of the time. Young guns Cliff Matthews and Travian Robertson were both seen getting decent pressure as well, a welcome sign. It was also good to see Corey Peters come back in the game after leaving with an injury. Some of the blitzes seem to get picked up a little too easily, but that’s just going to happen sometimes. The blitz and sack by Dunta Robinson was a thing of beauty.
Defense Makes Some Big Stands
Pass Rush Better (Reinhold Matay)
As mentioned earlier, the Falcons defense still won’t be confused with being dominant. However, they are making some big stands lately to keep the the team in the game, many times after offensive mistakes. The Cardinals game saw the defense save an offense in major meltdown mode and they made some enormous stops against the Bucs that could have easily led to a much more difficult game. And remember that this is only Mike Nolan’s first year at the helm and while there’s surely a ways to go, this defensive is showing excellent progress. They held the Bucs to 3 points after Matt Ryan threw an interception. When Ryan was pummeled by a Bucs defender and fumbled the ball away, the defense again held them to a field goal. They also held the Bucs to a 56 yard field goal attempt, which they missed. If the Bucs cash in a touchdown many of those times, this may be reporting a second loss.
Props to DRob
Dunta Robinson has been one of the fans and critics favorite lightning rods since he signed the eye-popping contract as a free agent cornerback back in 2010. Many called him a free agent bust and a major overreach in a weak free agency class to simply fill a gap. While Robinson hasn’t been an All-Pro cornerback, he has looked much better this year and had a very tough and gritty game against the Bucs. He’s one of the few defensive players that will deliver a huge hit that many of the best defenses possess. Robinson had a bone-crunching hit on Doug Martin, popped up, and seemingly might be done for the day. He went and got check out and returned soon afterwards and help lead the defense to a big win.
Struggling Safeties
What has happened to the Falcons safeties that looked like world-beaters the first few weeks? It was a good talking point throughout the off-season on which player or what position would benefit the most from Mike Nolan’s new scheme. While the safety position wasn’t the highest on many fans lists, some thought that it could see a major improvement. Some thought William Moore might elevate his game to a Pro Bowl level and Thomas DeCoud could get back some of the early magic he flashed in 2009. Early on, it looked as though those premonitions may come true. DeCoud and Moore were all over the field, making interceptions, knocking down passes, and delivering big hits.
Smith Looks Serious (Brian Blanco)
Recently, however, they have both looked less than stellar. Moore hasn’t necessarily done poorly, but he’s not having the same impact he was in the beginning. DeCoud, on the other hand, has looked pedestrian at times. He’s often seen getting caught out of position, using shoulder bumps on players instead of giving big hits, and sometimes looking downright awful in coverage. It’s surely not all their fault as many other positions have had their own issues and that’s likely having a negative impact on them. Some of it may have to do with the front 7 having problems against the run and thus inching closer for run support. Whatever the reason, it would be very nice to see the safety tandem get back to their early season form.
Walking Wounded at Cornerback
Thankfully the Falcons have found Robert McClain to step up and in an otherwise huge gap left by a slew of injuries to the Falcons cornerbacks. Brent Grimes was lost for the year in game 1 vs. the Chiefs and Asante Samuel has been banged up the last few weeks. Dunta Robinson left for a spell on Sunday, but returned later. There’s a sense of concern on the depth chart after McClain as Christopher Owens and Dominique Franks are next on the list and are surely not the model of consistency. While McClain has been the best surprise of the season, this is a position that will have to have some infusion of talent, whether through the draft or in free agency. They don’t necessarily need starting quality, but definitely need some better depth.
Blown Opportunities
The Falcons had plenty of chances to put some distance between themselves and the Bucs on Sunday. The Birds of course got the ball first as they always do and had a nice opening drive bog down yet again for a field goal. Of course there was the botching of the red zone opportunity to end the 1st half when Julio Jones caught a pass on the 4 yard line, where Coach Smith seemed more concerned with eating up the clock than scoring a touchdown. Matt Bryant misses a chip-shot field goal to get the lead at halftime. After the break, the defense holds the Bucs to a field goal and the Falcons promptly score a touchdown with an 80 yard strike to Jones. The defense gets a three and out to give the offense the ball back and big chance to gain some separation. What does the offense do? Only go three and out themselves with a rather pitiful play selection. Even though you can’t fault the defense very much, they did have the Bucs backed up to their goal-line at 1st and 21, only to let them drive all the way down for a touchdown. At the end Matt Bryant essentially misses a game-ending field goal. It’s a little nitpicking because they ultimately won the game, but the Falcons have to learn to stop squandering so many opportunities to gain some separation when they have the chance.
Will this Falcons Team Ever Fully Click?
Will they Ever Fully Click? (Brian Blanco)
Fans keep talking about how awesome this team will be if everything clicks for one game and how they could be unstoppable. If the offense hits on all cylinders, the defense continues it’s excellent progression, special teams is on point, and coaching doesn’t bog down in too much conservatism, it could be a beautiful sight. The Falcons have obviously done some good and great things throughout the season, but rarely have all the phases been hitting at once. It seems each week that one of the phases takes their time off (defense earlier in the season, offense more recently). The Birds know better than anyone how important it is to be hitting the right gear at the right time and there’s still plenty of time, but the window is drawing more narrow as the season hits the final push to the playoffs. If this team can all click in at once, the ultimate goal could truly be in sight.
Bird Cage Stalwarts Turn
1) Simple Bomb – what’s your thoughts on the Falcons road win vs. the Bucs: huge win on the road vs. a streaking team or still making it too hard on themselves?
2) How about Asante Samuel’s gutsy performance. Could it be a rallying point of sorts?
3) Was the stout run defense a blip or sign of good things to come?
4) Will Smith and Koetter ever turn over the keys to Jacquizz Rodgers as the feature back?
5) Is the running back position the main thing holding this offense back from being great?
6) Was the pass rush better overall or more having to do with Josh Freeman’s errors?
7) What’s your thoughts on the defense overall this season, particularly of late?
8.) Is the Falcons defense having to keep the team in the game too much?
9) Has Dunta Robinson improved enough for your liking?
10) What’s going on with the Falcons safeties lately?
11) Time to panic on CB depth just yet?
12) Can the Falcons stop blowing opportunities to get separation on their opponents?
13) Will the Birds ever click into gear all at the same time?
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1,178 comments Add your comment
Birdman
November 26th, 2012
5:45 pm
With Spoon back this week the Falcons should be able to slow down Graham
Ken Strickland
November 26th, 2012
5:47 pm
This gm was as close as it was due to Bryant missing 2 makeable FGs and ASamuel’s inability to make 2 INTs he’d normally make if not for his shoulder issues. This team is 10-1 even though
1-We’re on our 3rd starting FG,
2-We’re minus our best CB(BGrimes),
3-one CB(ASamuel) is playing with an injured wing,
4-We’re relying heavily on an UFA CB(McClain)
5-2 of our 3 top DTs have been injured
6-Our best LB has missed significant time
7-Our rushing OFF has been MIA
8-Our #2 WR(JJones)has been playing hurt
9-We’ve been saddled with the same short yardage approach we’ve had in the past with the same negative results.
John Waynesworld
November 26th, 2012
5:52 pm
Wabe, so right about corraling Graham. He and Chris Ivory have to be on top of the list.
There is apparently a Right Tackle issue with their 3rd stringer (whoever was the RT yesterday) so that could give our 4 man pass rush a boost.
Big Ray, I agree with you about #22. Asante needs a couple weeks off to fix that shoulder, however he may be better in the nickel with one arm that we have on the bench with two, after McClain of course. Pain killers and heavy tape is my guess as this game is too important. They can rest Asante for 17 days until the Giants game after this one.
DHunt
November 26th, 2012
6:24 pm
Is there a more gutsy team in the NFL right now than the Falcons? I know the offense has been somewhat stagnant on occasion and particularly in the redzone. But I’m willing to chalk that up to playing down to opponents in most cases.
It’s funny that the thing that most people see as a problem is what really gives me a lot of hope about what this team can do. When it really matters, the defense gets really formidable. After a turnover, they put in work and usually stand their ground. They may give up a big play or two, and still inexplicably get stung on third and long, but they just don’t get consistently abused by anyone. The offense can look pedestrian for long stretches, but if you put them in a situation where they have to get it done, they almost always get it done. And it’s not just one guy. The entire team tends to step it up when it matters. Whenever the Falcons get behind, they finally know how to throw the machine into overdrive.
We fans want them in overdrive 60 minutes every week. That’s not an unreasonable request, especially considering the horses they have under that hood. But maybe you can’t run the engine redline all the time. Maybe you save that nitro boost for when the race is on the line. I get the feeling this team will ramp it up in the playoffs, and show off the true power and grace and only an attacking Falcon can produce.
This week against the Saints would be a most excellent time to get a really good test run of that unstoppable force we know they have lurking in the wings.
Ken
November 26th, 2012
6:43 pm
if the giants or the packers was grinding out all there games…….they would get mad praise for finding ways to still get wins. This is a new season the falcons are 10:1 and in feb. the football nation will be dirtybirding…………..
Wabe
November 26th, 2012
6:55 pm
The only reason folks don’t question those other teams [Giants/Packers] the way they question Atlanta is because folks have seen how high their ceilings are. For those teams, it’s just a matter of whether they can be playing their best ball at the right time.
For Atlanta, there’s a legitimate question regarding how high the ceiling of this team is. They haven’t really shown it at any point this season. Teams like the Giants may have bad losses, but when you go to SF and beat down the Niners or beat down the Packers the way they did last night, it puts any questions of whether you’re ‘good enough’ to rest. Folks know they’re good enough, but will they be playing that way when it counts most.
Atlanta Falcons: Birds Grind Out Tough Win vs. Bucs | football-feed.com
November 26th, 2012
6:56 pm
[...] to Original Content From Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog): read more Related Articles Share About Author [...]
Wabe
November 26th, 2012
6:58 pm
For the Falcons now, it’s about gradually getting better week by week. That’s it.
That talking heads have been talking all season, and will continue to talk through the remainder of the season going into the postseason. We know the talent is here, but can we put the whole thing together is something that is yet to be seen.
Gradually get better, and then come out playing your best ball in January.
Wings
November 26th, 2012
7:14 pm
JWW that shoulder probably really hurts. It looked as though it hurt each time he raised or stretched his arm out.
I injured my rotator cuff over a period of time using a gas echo string trimmer about two months ago. It was and still is the most painful thing I have ever experienced. It hurt more than a broken leg when I fell out my front door because of my cat after a Falcons game in 2009.
By the way I had therapy at the Atlanta Falcons Physical Therapy location in Marietta for the rotator cuff injury. It is a class place and had autographed balls and jerseys by Ryan, White, and Turner plus other stuff. Arthur Blank owns all of them. One patient there with a shoulder problem was “Ernesto” of the Harlem Globetrotters; he played with Medowlark Lemon.
Arno
November 26th, 2012
7:33 pm
LRD — enjoyed that read! Thanks.
JB Falcon
November 26th, 2012
8:20 pm
Wings, if a cat comes to your door selling string trimmers, slam the door in his face and run!
The Time is NOW!
November 26th, 2012
9:46 pm
DHunt (6:24) – Great post! I hope you’re right. Otherwise, we’ll both have crow to eat.
The Time is NOW
November 26th, 2012
9:49 pm
WABE (6:25) – excellent observation.
falcon21
November 26th, 2012
9:50 pm
Wow, kinda slow in the Cage tonight. I guess everyone has another close game hangover. All in all it was a good win against a good team.
The Time is NOW
November 26th, 2012
9:51 pm
Love the cat story Wings!
D3
November 26th, 2012
9:58 pm
Alright Gang, rest of the post is finally up. Simply refresh and have a gander or hit the same link…..
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-falcons-fans/2012/11/26/atlanta-falcons-birds-grind-out-tough-win-vs-bucs/
Headed to bed and will catch up with you cats later.
Nite ‘all!
D3
November 26th, 2012
10:01 pm
Before I hit the pillow, here’s the Cage’s questions………..
1) Simple Bomb – what’s your thoughts on the Falcons road win vs. the Bucs: huge win on the road vs. a streaking team or still making it too hard on themselves?
2) How about Asante Samuel’s gutsy performance. Could it be a rallying point of sorts?
3) Was the stout run defense a blip or sign of good things to come?
4) Will Smith and Koetter ever turn over the keys to Jacquizz Rodgers as the feature back?
5) Is the running back position the main thing holding this offense back from being great?
6) Was the pass rush better overall or more having to do with Josh Freeman’s errors?
7) What’s your thoughts on the defense overall this season, particularly of late?
8.) Is the Falcons defense having to keep the team in the game too much?
9) Has Dunta Robinson improved enough for your liking?
10) What’s going on with the Falcons safeties lately?
11) Time to panic on CB depth just yet?
12) Can the Falcons stop blowing opportunities to get separation on their opponents?
13) Will the Birds ever click into gear all at the same time?
Zoomie
November 26th, 2012
10:09 pm
“Second one is a knee-jerk, coaching-armchair reaction I have EVER read.” — Shotgun ( I interpret this as ” Second one is the biggest [or one of the biggest] knee-jerk, armchair-coaching reactions I have EVER read.”)
I’m guessing you must not read much beyond this forum and skip a large population of the posts when you do read here.
“If you paid attention to the play, the DB moved over his coverage in the last minute.” The one I was “paying attention” to had two blitzers rolling in on the O’s right side from the first second the Falcons lined up out of the huddle.
“If Matt was in the shotgun(cough, cough), instead of under center, he would of easily seen it coming.” Right. which makes it all that much more confusing, since MR2 WAS lined up in shotgun with Quizz (his backfield protection) lined up to his left side (maybe you should get that cough checked out, because it may be causing you to miss key tactical developments in the game.)
“Easy for us to say Matt should of saw it, but why was he under center in the first place?” Matt Ryan wasn’t under center, he was standing straight and vertical in the shotgun formation in perfect position to read the overload on the right side, and he should’ve moved Quizz in protection after reading the defense. That’s how an aware, experienced, and seasoned elite NFL QB would’ve called that protection.
“It was just a great disguise and defensive counter. It happens.” Wrong. It was a blitz that wasn’t disguised AT ALL, and Matt Ryan completely missed and messed up the protection call. All on him 100%, no excuses. It’s fine in the sense that he’s the one who’s going to bear the brunt of the hit when he makes such a basic mistake, but it also caused a turnover, which could’ve very well cost the game.
MR2 is, on balance, the best QB Atlanta’s ever had. That doesn’t mean he’s infallible. I’m concerned when I see a fifth-year starter making mistakes that should’ve been coached out of him at the college level. Both examples I listed are EXACTLY that. He locked in on a primary receiver and led a veteran DB directly into an interception, and he lost focus and made a bone-headed protection call, which resulted in a free blitzer and a turnover.
If MR2 is half the QB most of The Cagers seem to think he is, he’d agree 100% with my critique of his play. Nuthangers never help anyone improve. As has been written many times on this forum: Atlanta will go only as far as MR2 takes them. He won’t take them anywhere at the rate he’s turning over the ball. Love the guy, but facts is facts.
( For those with a DVR that are trying to follow along, the disputed play is approximately 11:32 of the 4th.)
falcon21
November 26th, 2012
10:57 pm
57 plays on offense with only 1 to question, not bad.
Creaky
November 26th, 2012
11:09 pm
Turner was good, not the answer anymore.
BobbyDawg
November 26th, 2012
11:27 pm
Sounds like pole cat to me.
The Time is NOW
November 26th, 2012
11:37 pm
Another great article, D3!
One thought. Maybe Turner, with his size, is still a better blocker in the max protect backfield than Quizz. If so, it would be foolish to only use Turner in that situation because the defense would know what was coming. I think the coaching staff is still trying to figure out the best way to use the personnel available at RB. Obviously, they are increasing the amount of time Quizz is in the backfield. He was in on over half of the offensive plays.
Atlanta Falcons: Birds Grind Out Tough Win vs. Bucs | Atlanta InformerAtlanta Informer
November 27th, 2012
1:01 am
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Shotgun
November 27th, 2012
2:40 am
Zoomie
I owe you an apology. I was thinking about a completely different play and mixed it with the fumble one. Though, the first blitzed was covered by the lineman and the other CB was disguised as lining up for man on man, yet went for Matt after the ball was snapped. That’s probably why he never moved Quizz over.
It seems it was set up to be a left progression pass, so Matt never looked to his right.
But, yeah, Matt completely missed it. He doesn’t make mistakes like that often, though. As for the interception, I agree.
darrell starks
November 27th, 2012
6:54 am
Quizz should be starting.
He is a better blocker than Turner plus he create his own hole, the OL is not build for Turner anymore, you have no more Harvey Dahl and Ovie Mughelli whom both created a path for Turner giving him a straight up the middle path 2 run.
Now it’s time 2 move on and starte Quizz who create his own hole when nothing there plus making this offense more explosive 2 be able starte blowing teams off the field, Turner is slowing the Falcons down making it a more slow and grind type offense causing the games to be close with barely winning games at end and media and everybody is calling the Falcons a lucky team with no respect across the board.
GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Zoomie
November 27th, 2012
7:01 am
You’re cool, Shotgun. I usually don’t rewatch the game until Tuesdays, but last night’s Monday night game between the Panthers and the Eagles was akin to watching a squirrel fight. Yeah, there’s some momentary action where some dust is raised, but in the end, they both run off without the nut.
After maligning the O-line and Turner for basically 11 games, I have to give credit where it’s due. It seems DK has quit trying to swim upstream and is playing to the strengths of his players. A lot more Quizz and Snelling hitting creases and catching tosses/short passes on the move, and a lot less asking the O-line to hold open garage doors for Turner. The nice thing is, this has the potential to make Turner more effective when he is in the game.
I think MR2 is still playing a little tight, with the constant adjustments to the offensive attack. After all, the lack of a running game has put enormous pressure on him to execute. We’ve all seen how brilliantly he can play when he’s on, the CS needs to find a way to help keep him in that zone. giving him a reliable run weapon will do just that.
I think this goes back to what Roddy White was saying at the beginning of the year regarding “identity.” The breakdown of any semblance of running game has fractured that identity a bit and put too much responsibility on a few key play-makers. With the return of an effective run game, the team identity can be further solidified, everyone can become more comfortable and experienced in their expected roles, and they can loosen up a little and play ball.
If the O can consistently run the ball to go along with their murderous passing game, and if the D can continue to be effectively tweaked for each opponent, I think the Falcons can beat every other team out there.
A lot of folks saw another squeaker on Sunday. I saw a team that adjusted for weaknesses and became even more dangerous. Hopefully, they can keep it up.
(But the season will be a total loss if Atlanta loses to those damnable swamp rats again on Thursday!)
darrell starks
November 27th, 2012
7:03 am
Cliff Mathews and Travian Robertson need be on the field a lot more.
Travian was getting double team on line and still held his ground on shortyardge plays, this along tells you how strong he is in the middle, Cliff is just a sleeper waiting to happen but just need more snaps to prove him self to be a beast at DE.
GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
November 27th, 2012
7:10 am
Please sit down Asanta Samuel he need atleast 2weeks off, let his arm heal a little before come playoffs, Falcons must have a healthy Samuel come playoffs time.
GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
darrell starks
November 27th, 2012
7:23 am
Falcons need go out with a full throttle and blow Saints off the field to shut the media up for call this team lucky im tired of hearing that word luck.
Falcons and Ice man should go fully with no hudle offense and just score at will specially when playing at home, playing on the road could be a little different with crowd noise but at home there is no excuse for Falcons not go with the no huddle offense the full game.
I believe coach Smith is scared to play aggressive on both side of the ball specially on defense, the Falcons should Blitz the Saints atleast 70percent more not just this game but every game, starte playing more aggressive and blow teams out.
GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Chop Buster
November 27th, 2012
7:32 am
1) Falcons are just making things more difficult than they need to be. They got the win and that’s always good, but we keep squeaking by teams and IMO many of them aren’t that good.
2) Asante showed a lot of moxie playing with virtually one arm. He even placed himself in position to still get two picks. I hope that the others in the secondary (besides Dunta & McClain) sees Asante’s unselfless play and it motivates them to step up their play.
3) The Falcons defense has always had the ability to shut down the opponents running game–they’ve done it in the past. They get lazy and sloppy at times and it’s just a matter of remaining disciplined.
4) Smith drives this bus and he seems to be too loyal to his veterans. It’s an old school mentality that is outdated. Your job is to put the BEST players on the field who give you the BEST opportunity to win. I believe we may be seeing signs that he is willing to give Jacquizz more playing time over the past couple of games.
5) Running back is just a small part of the overall equation for our offense’s success. We need to use more spread offenses and run out of that formation and attack teams with four receivers on the field more. Matt needs to be in shotgun more and Koetter needs to make immediate in-game adjustments when things aren’t going well (no-huddle, play action, roll out of the pocket when passes being batted down).
6) Pass rush as better as the game went on and TB’s OL probably tired. We have to bring more disguised blitzes as we did with Dunta off the edge. Our front four has got to get more push up the middle–especially against Brees. I’m thinking Nolan has got a definite strategy of attacking Brees this time around.
7) Defense has overachieved this year due to Nolan’s schemes. We are still missing a stud NT and MLB. I’d like to see us go to a 3-4 with the guys we potentially have at LB. Still need to get the safety position solidified. I see other safety tandems with speed, coverage and hitting ability. Willie Mo and Decoud lack speed and both struggle in coverage. They use to bring the wood, but have went MIA lately. Someone needs to have a heart-to-heart with these guys to pickup their play.
9) Falcons need to try Dunta in Decoud’s position next year and bring in another CB to play the right side. Dunta’s excelling in Nolan’s defense because he gives him the freedom to make plays.
10) As I mentioned earlier, safeties are slow to cover and slow to light up our opponent. Problem is our safeties seem to have issues covering over the top and they’re watching the QB too much.
11) We are stuck with CB depth we have. It’s not going to change this season and they’re going to play guys that we know are shaky. I hope our starters are able to recover from injuries and stay healthy the remainder of the season.
12) Opportunities to get separation is in every game. For some reason we just don’t attack the entire game like the way we start the game. Why do we let up? That’s the question that needs answered.
13) Coaches have to come up with a game plan that will help our guy’s confidence on both sides of the ball and tell them to not let up for four quarters. They (coaches) have to stay on the guys during the game when you see guys standing around and not gang tackling or receivers running routes in the same areas. We all know we have too much talent on this team that is not being taken advantage of ALL THE TIME. We will see something once only to never see it again. It does seem like this coaching staff is experimenting at times.
Wings
November 27th, 2012
7:42 am
Zoomie at 7:01am – A really good post.
I would add one thing:
…..and a lot less asking the O-line to hold open garage doors (WITHOUT SPRINGS) for Turner.
Wings
November 27th, 2012
7:50 am
Chop Buster – “13) Coaches have to come up with a game plan that will help our guy’s confidence on both sides of the ball and tell them to not let up for four quarters.”
I don’t have any facts to back this up but I saw this long list of injuries and it occurred to me playing in a less than all out mode and the conservative Smitty mode subjects the players to situations where injuries happen:
Wide receiver Harry Douglas (ankle), safety Charles Mitchell (calf), linebacker Stephen Nicholas (knee), tackle Sam Baker (groin), wide receiver Kevin Cone (groin), tight end Michael Palmer (back), defensive tackle Vance Walker (ribs) and linebacker Sean Weatherspoon (ankle) were all limited in practice.
Chop Buster
November 27th, 2012
8:01 am
Wings (7:50): “I don’t have any facts to back this up but I saw this long list of injuries and it occurred to me playing in a less than all out mode and the conservative Smitty mode subjects the players to situations where injuries happen:”
I agree not going all out does subject our guys to injuries. Also, it’s like the CS forgets all the things that were successful against the Taints and doesn’t include them in the game plan.
Ryan and HD ate up the Taints last year only to go back to handing the ball off to Turner. It’s like our coaching staff kills the team’s momentum. It’s crazy.
Wings
November 27th, 2012
8:02 am
JB Falcon – “Wings, if a cat comes to your door selling string trimmers, slam the door in his face and run!”
Maybe you can add to the funny line. I didn’t mention I was string trimming my pet Peking duck’s pen (Moby Duck) with netting over it and I had to hold the trimmer out from my body creating a strain. The netting was there because a big hawk had killed the duck’s mate Big Tex. The cat’s name is BIgBoy and weighs about 19 pounds. My other cat is named Elvis as your dog.
John Waynesworld
November 27th, 2012
8:36 am
I was watching this interview yesterday with Michael Turner and at the end he was asked about his thoughts on the Sain’ts team that they were about play in 3 days on the NFL Network.
Michael simply said, “We play them in 3 days.” Twice.
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-around-the-league/0ap2000000101380/Turner-We-re-more-determined-this-year
My take: Everyone on this team is so HOT for this game they don’t even want to talk about it. The guys are slow boiling this one in their guts over the next few days.
Thursday’s forecast…100% CHANCE OF PAIN.
Ken Strickland
November 27th, 2012
9:05 am
FAILCANTS-You might as well get use to the fact that there will be a lot of down yrs the AINTS/TAINTS/CAINTS future. It’s going to take a lot of time, effort, money and draft picks to reconstruct that SORRIER THAN SORRY DEF.
It’s also going to take a lot of the same to repair that OFF, especially the OL, which is starting to show leaks. You’re entire season rests on beating the Falcons. If you lose, it’s over. If you win, it merely allows you to maintain a sliver of hope.
I really like the way we came out and tried to establish the run despite our issue with running the ball and us going up against one of the NFL best rushing DEFs. Based on the results, it’s about time for Smitty to get his head out of his anus and his grubby hands off the OFF and start running JRogers more and further limiting MTurner’s rushes. He just has to get beyond his BIG RB syndrome.
Speed, quickness, and agility are what’s needed at this point. Turner is taking too long to get to the hole and the entire DL and LBs seem to be able to read and react before he can get out of the backfield in far too many instances. JRogers is always moving forward and gaining that extra yd, no matter where he’s running, while Turner seems to go down on contact without much resistence.
One thing I did notice on Turner’s TD run. The play was obviously designed to go off LT, which meant Turner didn’t have to read any blocks or hesitate. As a result, he blasted out of the backfield and hit that slant with authority, and nobody came close to stopping him.
Unca' Bob
November 27th, 2012
9:12 am
I know some in here have seen this before, so sorry for the repeat. Please note the percentage of Rodgers-v- Turner.
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-falcons-blog/2012/11/26/falcons-playing-time-percentage-chart-vs-buccaneers/?cxntfid=blogs_atlanta_falcons_blog
Wings
November 27th, 2012
9:13 am
Ken S AGREE!! That Turner play was the same one he ran for nine yards earlier in the game. He doesn’t have time to think now at his speed.
snacktastic
November 27th, 2012
10:27 am
Momentum is on our side this week. The Birds grab a tough win against a streaking team, and the Aints get roughed up in their own house.
No mistakes this time. We will BURY THE AINTS.
Arno
November 27th, 2012
11:14 am
“The guys are slow boiling” — JW 8:36
I think Roddy is “slow boiling” over those two perfectly thrown deep misses in consecutive games– especially after Julio snagged his for an 80 yd TD. Those guys are good for each other.
Geo
November 27th, 2012
11:20 am
Rosenthal on five throws that defined week 12: “Deep accuracy used to be a question mark for Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan. Now it seems like a speciality. The ball comes out of his hand so fast here, and Julio Jones runs it down. Ryan bounced back from his interception barrage with a very nice performance in Tampa to get the Falcons to 10-1. ”
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000101480/article/jay-cutler-ryan-tannehill-had-key-throws-in-week-12
Ain’t it the truth. Although I think Ryan’s stuggles with the deep ball were blown out of proportion in years past, the improvement in that part of his game is remarkable this year. Absolutely one of the key reasons we are 10-1. I have also been impressed with better pocket presence and mobility this year. He worked on those things in the off season and the results speak for themselves (which is the way Matt likes it). Kudos Matty!
Big Ray
November 27th, 2012
11:58 am
MR2 is, on balance, the best QB Atlanta’s ever had. That doesn’t mean he’s infallible. I’m concerned when I see a fifth-year starter making mistakes that should’ve been coached out of him at the college level. Both examples I listed are EXACTLY that. He locked in on a primary receiver and led a veteran DB directly into an interception, and he lost focus and made a bone-headed protection call, which resulted in a free blitzer and a turnover.
If MR2 is half the QB most of The Cagers seem to think he is, he’d agree 100% with my critique of his play. Nuthangers never help anyone improve. As has been written many times on this forum: Atlanta will go only as far as MR2 takes them. He won’t take them anywhere at the rate he’s turning over the ball. Love the guy, but facts is facts.
1) I am quite certain that Matt Ryan is a bigger critic of himself than any fan/blogger could ever hope to be. No matter how well we critique from our collective armchairs (having not played an NFL snap ourselves).
2) If Ryan is paying any attention to this blog, then he’s not a franchise QB. Therefore, nothing said by either naysayers nor “nuthangers” has any effect on Ryan’s performance. Essentially, all nuthanging and naysaying effects and/or benefits fans/bloggers…and nobody else. What Ryan is has nothing to do with what anybody in this forum thinks. Nothing.
3) Ryan has had two games where he’s had critical turnovers. A pattern? Possibly. But if making a mistakes in a QB’s 5th year is cause for alarm, then Broncos fans (and their GM John Elway) should have thrown in the towel in the first quarter of the game we played them in. A sure HOF guy named Peyton Manning got picked off by our defense 3 times in that quarter. Hmmmm. I’ve watched Drew Brees and Eli Manning miss protection calls and throw picks this year.
My point is not to hang from Mr. Ice’s testes. It’s to point out that there is still a learning curve, yes even in the 5th year. Especially when your 5th year is the first time you’re actually allowed to air it out and take ownership of what happens. The four years prior it’s been a little no huddle here, a little no huddle there…and only in spurts. And really, that wasn’t even apparent until LAST year.
Ryan is definitely fallible. But he won’t go from “leaning on Turner for 22+ carries per game” to “throwing 40 passes per game” without some bumps along the way. It’s guaranteed.
You’d think those “issues” were coached out of him a long time ago, but then you have to look really hard at the coaching he’s been receiving since he got here. Just how QB friendly was it? Seemed rather scripted to me…but what do I know…
Geo
November 27th, 2012
12:01 pm
Falcons-Bucs on NFL Replay tonight at 8, followed by Niners-Saints.
Big Ray
November 27th, 2012
12:01 pm
I think the issue is very alarming if Ryan continues to make mistakes (and the same ones) over and over. There is such a thing as having bad games.
I highly doubt that Ryan doesn’t take full credit for his problems. Something tells me that even while the AJC has a hard time getting good quotes and what not….he owns up to himself, his coaches, and his teammates and has their full support.
I think we all know what it looks like when a QB does NOT do that. Jets and Eagles are teams that come to mind.
Big Ray
November 27th, 2012
12:02 pm
Eli Manning STILL isn’t infallible. Nor is Aaron Rodgers. Ah, but both have rings, which means that they can make mistakes and people let it go.
Paddy O
November 27th, 2012
12:35 pm
I thought this was a big, must win game for us to prevent some “pretenders” from beginning to think they had a shot. Bryant is now a bit of a question mark. If we defeat NO in the dome, we can skate the rest of the year – work on some things. Get our guys healthy. We are a very, very good team. Until we win in the post-season, we are still perceived as pretenders – as we are excellent in the regular season and fall flat in crunch time. This team has the talent. Can the coaches rise up?
Wings
November 27th, 2012
12:35 pm
Scripted!!
af fan
November 27th, 2012
12:39 pm
MR2’s demonstrated performance this year is the type performance that wins SuperBowls.
Don’t hear him refered to as “noodle arm” anymore.
And his performance in Philadelphia, ended the #7-#2 discussion.
The Falcons are fortunate to have a quarterback of his talent and determination.
Not being a homer. That’s just reality.
af fan
November 27th, 2012
12:52 pm
MR2’s performance this year is the type performance that wins super bowls.
Don’t hear him referred to as “noodle arm” anymore.
His performance in Philadelphia, put an end to the #7 – #2 discussion.
The Falcons are fortunate to have a quarterback with his talent and determination.
Not being a homer, that’s just reality.
Ken Strickland
November 27th, 2012
12:52 pm
SEMINOLE WARRIOR-Welcome back to the CAGE after a much noticed absence. I hope everything is going well with you and yours. If I didn’t know better, I’d swear you were describing JRogers instead of Taylor. I’ve mentioned it a few time in the distant past that I’d love to see us go back to the days when we employed 2 RBs instead of a blocking FB and 1 RB.
I think a backfield of Snelling and Rogers would be as effective as the LCain/WAndrews backfield of old. Their running, receiving and blocking ability would give DEFs a helluva lot to worry about, and every DEF would have to assign a LB and/or safety to account for both. That would automatically eliminate 2 potential blitzers, or defenders that must be blocked. it also give Ryan an additional receiving option.