Atlanta Falcons: Birds Win Huge Game vs. Saints
Falcons Take Another Step
Huge Night by Abe, Defense (AJC)
The offense was anemic after the first drive and it was yet another nail-biter, but the Falcons removed another monkey off their back by beating their fiercest rival Saints on Thursday Night Football. After getting up early 17-0 and giving fans a hope of a blowout, the Falcons offense hit a stonewall and leaned heavily on one of the best defensive efforts likely in it’s history to beat the Saints. Not only did they win a big game, but the defense also nabbed a new career high 5 interceptions from Drew Brees along with snapping his 54 game streak with a touchdown pass. As of Sunday, the Falcons also clinched their 2nd NFC South division title in 3 years with the Tampa Bay Bucs losing to Denver.
Falcons Clinch 2nd NFC South Title in 3 Years
With the Tampa Bay Bucs losing in Denver on Sunday, the Falcons clinched their 2nd NFC South Division Title with 4 games remaining on the season. It’s hasn’t always been pretty and spectacular, but the fact remains that the Falcons still are tied for the best record in the NFL at 11-1 and, besides the Houston Texans, most other teams are finding their own struggles and actually losing games. No one is likely celebrating in Flowery Branch on the news of winning another NFC South Title, but rather on what they need to get fixed in the next month before the playoffs start. However, Coach Smith, all the coaches, the Falcons players, Thomas Dimitroff, Arthur Blank, and everyone else involved with the Atlanta Falcons franchise deserves amazing credit for giving Atlanta and it’s fans something to be proud of, which is a team that is consistently good to great every single year and has a chance at getting the whole thing someday.
Amazing Defensive Effort
D's Big Night (AJC)
Really all that needs to be said is the stat line: Drew Brees intercepted 5 times, which has never happened before and the Falcons defense breaks his long-standing TD streak at 54 games. It simply was a beautiful thing to behold, a defense that has had fits trying anything to shut down Brees and one of the more explosive offenses in the NFL the last 5 years. Even though John Abraham came away with only one sack on the night, the entire defense hurried, harangued, and hit Brees all night long to get him out of his comfort zone. The linebackers were all over the place batting balls, making plays, and giving tight coverage. The defensive backfield really stepped up with William Moore looking every bit the Pro Bowler with 2 awesome picks. Thomas DeCoud set the tone with his pick in the endzone in the beginning of the game. Along with Dunta Robinson, Robert McClain continued his excellent year with Christopher Owens having one of the best games of his career. And finally of course, much of the credit goes to one Mike Nolan for finally taking this defense to the next level in less than a year. In fact, if the offense never gets their consistency down, the Falcons defense may have to lead the way in the postseason.
1 for 11 on 3rd Downs. Really?
Let’s all just hope it was a really bad night on offense and not a disturbing trend. Matched up against one of the worst defenses in the NFL, the Falcons offense hit a cement stonewall after their awe-inspiring and dominating first drive. It was a thing of beauty to witness the Falcons shoving the run game down the Saints throats, but after that they evidently checked out. Ryan was off-target, the running game got cute and had some more of those infamous wasted plays, the receivers were dropping the ball and disappearing, and they couldn’t gain a first down to save their lives, normally a very good area (coming into the game as #2 in NFL in 3rd down conversions). Roddy White said they got complacent. Let’s all just hope that it was one of those bad nights, but it’s still unfathomable to understand how an offense loaded with so much talent can get completely shut down. They better get some things fixed and start getting it together very soon because the calendar is running out and they don’t want to head into the playoffs limping on offense. Especially when the defense is playing at such a high level.
Running Game Gets Going………..Early
This Must've Been Later in Game (AJC)
It was the best that Michael Turner has run in a long while. The first offensive drive was a sight to see. Turner was pounding the rock, running hard between the tackles and Jacquizz Rodgers was adding in the quick and shifty runs as a perfect complement. This was exactly what Falcons fans had been waiting to see: a sort of “thunder and lightning” combination. It sure was nice to see, but for whatever reason, the running game and the offense as a whole just fell off a cliff. It was a shame to see the running game going so well early on and the passing game be so terribly off. Which leads directly into the next point.
Will This Team Ever Fully Click?
You surely can’t blame the defense at this point, but this will be an ongoing question either until this team comes together in all three phases or they it will be a case of untapped potential. Yes, they’re still winning, but the teams that find a way to get to the Big Dance and hoist that Lombardi Trophy are the ones that find a way to come together and play great in all three parts. At times it’s been the offense and others it’s been the defense. Others, the special teams has bailed the team out. Fans keep waiting. Offense are you listening?
Woeful Offensive Line
A Yucky Offensive Performance (AJC)
There’s nothing else to say that already hasn’t been beaten to a pulp going all the way back to preseason and even last year. There’s certainly no immediate help and, just like the team itself, it seems as though the entire line can’t all perform on a high level at the same time. In the past the problem has been pressure from the outside, particularly from Clabo’s end. Sam Baker has done pretty well overall. During the Saints game, the tackles seem to hold their ground only to see the middle get blown up all game long. Rookie Peter Konz was getting handled, 35 year old Todd McClure had his hands full, and even the usual steady Justin Blalock was shaky. The Falcons don’t have a whole lot of reinforcements available this deep into the season and really didn’t change anything from last year’s underwhelming OL. At this point, it’s up to OL coach Pat Hill and Dirk Koetter to find ways to either improve the OL, minimize the deficiencies, and play to their strengths. Let’s all hope they find a way to fix it the best they can down the homestretch.
Is Ryan a Rhythmic Passer?
There definitely have been times when Matt Ryan has gotten off to a bad start and come back to play well. And surely, to an extent, all quarterbacks need to get some type of rhythm. However, it seems particularly acute with the Falcons quarterback. When Ryan gets off to a good start, he usually finishes with a fantastic day. Look no further than some of the games this year, the first Saints game comes to mind. Maybe it’s unfair to say that Ryan must start good to finish good, but the opposite does seem to be true: when Ryan gets off to a rocky start with constant pressure, he usually struggles the entire game. With this porous offensive line even the best quarterback would have a hard time, but when Ryan has a few bad series to get the game started, it appears to be an uphill battle from that point on. Three games in particular stick out this season in that regard: the Raiders, Cardinals, and the Saints most recent game. Thursday night’s game would seem to be a dream for Ryan with the running game dominating early on, but the passing game was non-existent and managed only one TD after the first drive even though the defense nabbed 5 interceptions. Once again, this may not be all his fault because the offensive line was dreadful and receivers had plenty of drops, but if Ryan needs a good, quick start to get going than that should be an emphasis in game-planning.
Owens Redemption
Owens Good Game (AJC)
It didn’t come in a playoff game, but Christopher Owens had a night to remember. Long known (unfairly) as the main scapegoat to the Debacle in the Dome destruction vs. the Packers in the 2010/11 playoffs, Owens had a big night subbing in for Asante Samuel after the first play of the game. Owens had several nice passes defensed, including an especially athletic one in the endzone that would have otherwise gone for a TD. It was great to finally see Owens play up to his potential that most fans remember back when he took over at the end of 2009. Seeing Owens and Robert McClain doing so well under Mike Nolan’s defense has alleviated some worries at cornerback going forward the next several years.
Will Falcons Ever Find Killer Instinct?
It certainly doesn’t seem so. Stop if you’ve heard this one before. The Falcons get off to a great start, even going up 17-0 in the first half with a foe (the biggest rival in this case) they seem to have on the ropes and on the verge of burying them. And then……….the Falcons let them right back in the game and have to find a way to win at the very end of the game. Yes, it’s going to happen from time to time, especially when playing a good opponent with a high-powered offense. But this is a common occurrence with the Mike Smith led Falcons. It can’t all be put on Smith for getting conservative when getting a big lead (in fact they started throwing the ball after being dominant in the run game on the first series), but do the Falcons always have to put themselves in this position? The score was 17-0 and the defense was playing lights out, only to see the offense hit a brick wall and go 1 for 11 on third down conversions. One of the biggest complaints from fans in the off-season was the Falcons inability to develop any kind of killer instinct. Obviously all wins can’t be blowouts, but whenever the Falcons have a chance to put a game on ice, they simply can not find a way to do it, whatever the reason.
Bird Cage Egg Tosser’s Turn
1) Simple Egg Toss – overall thoughts on beating the hated Saints on Thursday Night Football?
2) Is that one of the best Falcons defensive performances in franchise history?
3) Will the defense carry the torch in the playoffs, instead of the offense?
4) What in Hades happened to the offense?
5) Emerging trend (getting figured out) or just one bad night?
6) Thoughts on the running game vs. the Saints
7) Will this team ever fully click this season or postseason?
8.) Anything left to say about offensive line?
9) Is Ryan a rhythmic passer?
10) Thoughts on Chris Owens superb performance?
11) Will the Falcons ever find a killer instinct in 2012?
12) How good does it feel to be 2012 NFC South Champs?
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750 comments Add your comment
Unca' Bob
December 4th, 2012
8:13 pm
Once again, I hear my pillow calling my name. Ya’ll have a great evening and above all, be safe.
JB Falcon
December 4th, 2012
8:18 pm
UB, yeah, but those TD returns were exciting!! Franks needs to grow a pair.
Birdman
December 4th, 2012
8:27 pm
Enter your comments here
JJ
December 4th, 2012
8:33 pm
UB, If I lose to anyone, it would be my honor for you to win it all!
\
Unfortunatley wont happen…your a speedbumb my friend,,,yowzza!!!
Still luv ya buddy but this is the SarahB trophy were talkin about!!!
Birdman
December 4th, 2012
8:59 pm
Unca ‘ Bob
We also had Jenkins’ Norwood who stayed injured and Brooking to name a few . But we have a much better team now than we had then . Not to mention the new OC and DC we have. And I also miss Weems . We also had a lot of Cagers that are not in here any more .Some I miss also .
This Team has changed a lot . I myself have changed a lot thank God. These were just my thoughts on what I think the Falcons should do . I have always loved what you ‘ JB’ SW and others have had to say . Sleep well brother . And God Bless you
JB Falcon
December 4th, 2012
9:23 pm
BM, ain’t no way I am doubting your “optimism”. That’s my middle name! We were simply talking about Weems. This is a new team and we are better than we were, and Brooking was no loss. There are a ot of players I wish we still had but I think Claude Humphrey is getting a little long on the tooth, just like a lot of us fans.
I truly think that this team is absolutely the best team that the Falcons have ever presented for the playoffs.
JJ
December 4th, 2012
9:30 pm
UB, were cool my friend as always!!!
falcon21
December 4th, 2012
9:32 pm
JB, I just hope we play well on both sides of the ball Sunday so maybe we won’t have to depend on another Cam fumble to keep us in the game.
JB Falcon
December 4th, 2012
9:44 pm
21, I agree and I also think it’s about time we started to come around and start playing like we know we are capable of. I want a statement win over an inferior team to let the rest of the NFL know what we are capable of, or is it too early to start kicking some serious azz
old falc
December 4th, 2012
9:44 pm
rather an ugly win than a pretty loss Oline is geting better and no i’m not drinking some things are not always as they seem.
falcon21
December 4th, 2012
9:46 pm
The time is now JB, and totally agree!
Birdman
December 4th, 2012
9:48 pm
JB
I .know brother I totally agree.You have a blessed night man . I got to get up at 4. Headed to Acworth in the morning . Long day ahead. God bless every one here. Good night
falcon21
December 4th, 2012
9:56 pm
Birdman, you will be 15 minutes from where I work, come on up to Cartersville and say hello.
Ken Stricklan
December 4th, 2012
11:57 pm
I’m reading all of this talk about us not being innovative enough or us running the same plays. Hell, the Giants and Packers, our last 2 Superbowl winners, have been running the same doggone plays for yrs, and I haven’t seen anything so innovative about what they’ve been doing. The only thing they’ve done differently over the yrs that we haven’t is CONSISTENTLY EXCUTE.
The only innovation needed for our OFF is for our OL to start consistently and effectively excuting when pass and run blocking, period. If that doesn’t happen, I don’t give a damn how much innovation or how advanced or varied our play calling might be, IT AINT GONNA WORK.
E43
December 5th, 2012
12:56 am
I thought the Falcons were fine until they decided that the passing game was broken and they absolutely had to fix it. Maybe they were scared big bad brees would touch them. Maybe they were trying to go for the jugular and be done for the day. They were forcing a 24-0 lead and it blew up in their faces. I have been advocating commitment to the run game to fix it. I thought that they did so against the Saints and got lucky. I say lucky because the reason teams do not run on 3 consecutive plays is because defenses will sniff it out. Otherwise, I think their commitment to it lately is the reason they have been successful. I’ve always though that the falcons passing game was powerful enough to take the time to experiment stuff with that run game.
Unca' Bob
December 5th, 2012
9:48 am
http://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/article-1/Falcons-2013-opponents-confirmed/5b9b7804-3d85-41f6-9c4d-5ba7eea3b801
Matty Bicep
December 5th, 2012
10:04 am
I am with you Ken @11:57. Since Bill Walsh designed the WC offense, there has not been much Innovation in the NFL, everything is been there done that. The trick it to do things that the other team does not prepare for, or to design mismatches, so each game has wrinkles, but leopards do not change their spots, especially leopards that win 70% of their games.
I do not believe that statement that we can win 70% of your games in the regular season over 5 years (that puts you up in the top 5 systems of all time), and yet, can’t win a single playoff game with the same system. That is bunk, we just did not play well, and ran into teams who playeing exceptional, but the goal is not to win a single playoff game anyway.
I think we are a good solid football team, and as a lifer, I can’t complain.
John Waynesworld
December 5th, 2012
10:07 am
Thanks Unca’ Bob.
Not too bad. So we get the NFC West & the AFC East, two divisions where the good are pretty good and the bad are really bad. Adding the NFC division winners from the East and North will be difficult but at least we get one at home.
That schedule looks do-able if we are going to REPEAT!
Unca' Bob
December 5th, 2012
10:54 am
John Waynesworld,
Next thing you know, we’ll want one for the thumb. LOL
Zoomie
December 5th, 2012
11:06 am
There’s been a lot of talk here about the possibility of the Falcons “playinging their cards close,” or holding something back for a playoffs run. I don’t really think that’s the case, I believe the offensive problems boil down to two things: O-line execution and first-year growing pains with a new OC with a different offensive mindset.
We have to hope for the best as far as the O-line goes, because I don’t see a change forthcoming (or really, possible). However, I’m optimistic that the right mesh of run-n-gun, ground-n-pound, and possession football will be groomed in the final quarter of the season, and we’ll start to see this offense perform more to its potential.
If you want to see a team that’s bogarting for the playoffs, look no further than SF: we all know about the great unveiling of Kapaernick. I just read where the 49ers are getting ready to activate LaMichael James. I wonder how many more “fresh” players Harbaugh will activate over the next four weeks?
Whoever faces SF in the playoffs may be facing a team whose key play-makers have less than half the wear-and-tear of the opposition, and who’ll have half the film. Interesting strategy. With a strong, running QB like Kapaernick whose avoided the nicks and dings of a full season, a fresh backfield, and a vicious defense, the 49ers would be well-positioned for a run at the SB.
You know, D3 may be right about Harbaugh . . .
D3
December 5th, 2012
11:29 am
Greetings Cage Family! —
UB — I hope so. The talent is definitely there on offense, but there’s been little consistency that I’ve seen from them. I know that they’ll be days when they run up against a good gameplan, but to get completely shut down with all the talent we have is a bit unnerving.
Just picking up on UB’s link, here’s what our schedule will look like for next year. Have to say we lucked out big time with the home and road games……
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FALCONS 2013 OPPONENTS CONFIRMED
Posted 17 hours ago
Dan Levak
Director of New Media
Opponents for 14 of the Falcons’ 16 regular season games in 2013 have been determined, with the New York Giants and Green Bay Packers the front-runners to comprise the final two slots.
Opponents for 14 of the 16 games on the 2013 Falcons’ schedule have been confirmed by the NFL.
In addition to their six games versus Carolina, New Orleans and Tampa Bay (facing each at home and on the road), the Atlanta Falcons battle at least three division winners in 2013 and twice traverse three time zones to wrangle West Coast teams.
Atlanta’s 2013 regular season schedule is comprised of the following opponents:
HOME
Carolina Panthers
New Orleans Saints
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
St. Louis Rams
Seattle Seahawks
New England Patriots
New York Jets
NFC East Champion (New York Giants currently lead division)
AWAY
Carolina Panthers
New Orleans Saints
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Arizona Cardinals
San Francisco 49ers
Buffalo Bills
Miami Dolphins
NFC North Champion (Green Bay Packers currently lead division)
Arno
December 5th, 2012
1:16 pm
What McClure thinks of MS motivational skills:
“Smitty knows this locker room,” McClure said. “He’s down here a bunch. He knows how everybody’s feeling physically. He knows when we need rest. He knows when we need to turn it on and when we need to go harder and keep the pads on in practice. He’s got a great vibe of the locker room, and I think that’s what’s making him successful as a head coach.”
http://pro32.ap.org/content/falcons-not-too-impressed-nfc-south-title
LRD
December 5th, 2012
2:29 pm
For next year.. be good to see the Patriots.. and see if the train wreck otherwise known as the jets is back on track or not.
Gotta distinct feeling we will see the Seahawks this post season….
E43
December 5th, 2012
2:35 pm
Zoomie- I think the 9ers are frauds. Alex Smith is their best chance to win it all. I’m not knocking Harbaugh and Kaepernick or anything. its just that, they had a preseason, they have been practicing for months now. There was no quarterback controversy until Smith had a concussion. We can talk about how Kaepernick stretches the field with his arm and legs all day long. But when the going gets tough, he’ll revert to his inexperienced self. The one that we saw in the preseason that couldnt snatch the job from Alex Smith. It nothing against his Kaeperniks work ethic. I just dont think he is ready to carry a team to the superbowl. Alex Smith didn’t loose that game in the playoffs. Muffed punts and drops did.
Zoomie
December 5th, 2012
3:00 pm
I don’t really know what goes through Harbaugh’s mind when he puts Kaepernick in over Smith. I agree Smith gives their team a better chance to win, even though their offense seems mediocre at times. The more I see from the west coast Harbaugh, the more I appreciate CMS.
Even though the running QB using the read-option makes me nervous, I hope the Falcons face a Kaepernick-led 49ers team in the playoffs rather than a Smith-led team. I think Nolan could handle the young dual-threat QB.
THE INFAMOUS DK
December 5th, 2012
3:09 pm
I want to see us win that first playoff game.. Then Im talking.. And if they win the Superbowl, as a long time Falcon fan…… Im probably gonna cry like a little ole baby girl. Then get on the phone with my people in NO and get to cuss’n.
D3
December 5th, 2012
3:34 pm
RE: Holding Things Back —
I’ll just have to respectfully disagree here on this one. After the Debacle in the Dome and Meltdown in the Meadowlands, I have galvanized a steel plate around my emotions regarding the “holding things back.” Yes, yes, I know that these are different coordinators, and it’s possible that Nolan will come up with some new tricks, but Koetter really hasn’t shown me that. In fact, he’s shown me the opposite. Coming out of the gate steaming, only to start sputtering as the season wears on. Surely, I might not be being objective on this one, but I just can’t see it. Also throw in the fact that we’ve looked downright lost at times and there’s not much evidence to support it. As always, I’ll be the first one to stand up and eat some serious crow if I’m wrong on this one……but I really don’t think I am.
JB Falcon
December 5th, 2012
3:49 pm
D3, I tend to agree with you and will bring some hot sauce. I think all Falcon fans have the same taste in their mouth and, based on our past playoff flops, it is deserved. On the bright side, we have pulled out some remarkable 4th qtr wins just like we are growing accustomed to. MR can play his worst game but seems to turn into unbeatable in the fourth qtr. That’s not much to base your hopes on, and I’d rather not to have to win that way, but our record shows that we can do it, if need be.
I’d “rather” go into the fourth qtr with a big enough lead to sit on. I will, however, take a squeaker.
Geo
December 5th, 2012
4:12 pm
Here’s my take on the execution versus innovation argument:
When Schiano was interviewed at half time of the Bucs-Falcons game, he said they just needed to execute on offense. I felt good about our chances when he said that, because that told me he wasn’t going to make any adjustments. Sure enough, we held them in check in the second half, and would have won by more if not for missed field goals and a missed opportunity to get 7 at the end of the first half.
It’s not that expect the Falcons to bring out trick plays (which I guess is what some are calling “innovation”), it’s just that I’d like to see an offense that has a wide variety of plays and uses them intelligently, mixing them up so the defense doesn’t know what is coming, or so that one play sets up the next. I’ve seen ATL do this, but I’ve also seen them lose that ability in big games or big game moments. It is all related to the OL as well. Nothing will work without decent blocking, but too often, it seems like the DL we face has their number, and maybe a more inspired playcall would help them get their mojo back.
All that said, I think we are working it out as we go, that we will become a formidable on offense on into the post season, and the stall in the NO game was just from having a lead and being gassed from the short week.
Arno
December 5th, 2012
4:18 pm
I have a neighbor who works with all sorts of machinery. He has a mix of tractors, dozers, and trucks. Many afternoons I can see him out there devotedly doing maintenance work, just keeping the things in good working order for when the right job happens to come up. From time to time, he will get a new piece, but mainly he works with what he has. To me, that’s Koetter– keep everything in play. Sometimes something will sputter, but you can’t fix it unless you keep running it.
Geo
December 5th, 2012
4:30 pm
Great analogy, Arno. I agree. I’m looking forward to seeing how we handle the Giants’ DL. We better play well and score some points, or the hand wringing will be off the charts, myself included.
The Time is NOW
December 5th, 2012
4:55 pm
JB Falcon (3:49) – While it frustrates me when MR plays that way, I am reminded that a QB named Montana built his reputation as a champion on 4th qtr. comebacks in big games. Maybe Matty Ice is our cariac kid…
The Time is NOW
December 5th, 2012
4:55 pm
“cardiac” – oops!
The Time is NOW
December 5th, 2012
4:59 pm
OK, that was wierd (disappearing post). Blog monster I guess.
JB Falcon – While it frustrates me when MR plays that way, I remember a QB named Montana who built is reputation as a champion with 4th qtr. comebacks in big games. Maybe Matty Ice is our cardiac kid…
The Time is NOW
December 5th, 2012
5:00 pm
Blogmonster.
snacktastic
December 5th, 2012
5:30 pm
Anyone heard the nonsense coming from Greg Hardy in Charlotte? Guy thinks their 3-9 team is better than the NFC South Champions. He sounds about as crazy as Ryan “SUPER BOWL CHAMPIONS” Kalil.
L.A. Mont
December 5th, 2012
5:30 pm
The Killer Instinct in my mind IS the mentaility of the coach and the QB. Smith and Ryan are too nice at times, and don’t want to be perceived as guys that run up the score. But, you can not sit on a 14 or 17 point lead. You have to keep going. But they’ve done that for years. This year, Denver, Philly, now NO…each game we have big leads earlier and then shut it down offensively.
I hear the staff say they will keep grinding and keep the pedal to the metal. We’ll see! Going on the road against a 3-9 Carolina team is certainly a trap game before the Giants come in here. Given how Carolina outplayed us the first time, they certainly feel like they can beat us, so I expect them to come out fired up. We’ll see if the Falcons can match the defensive effort they had last week.
falcon21
December 5th, 2012
6:06 pm
L.A. you may be right about Smith and I believe you are but I think Ryan would try to put up 60 points if he was allowed to.
Slant Pattern
December 5th, 2012
6:37 pm
“It’s not that expect the Falcons to bring out trick plays (which I guess is what some are calling “innovation”), it’s just that I’d like to see an offense that has a wide variety of plays and uses them intelligently, mixing them up so the defense doesn’t know what is coming, or so that one play sets up the next. I’ve seen ATL do this, but I’ve also seen them lose that ability in big games or big game moments. It is all related to the OL as well. Nothing will work without decent blocking, but too often, it seems like the DL we face has their number, and maybe a more inspired playcall would help them get their mojo back.” – Geo
Good post and nice job recognizing what some are actually saying. Posters that use certain copout taglines repeatedly throughout the fanblogs only show they have no or limited knowledge of offensive transactions. There were quite a few on “Radio”’s or Shultz’s blog that honestly thought screen passes were “trick plays” or a gimmick call…maybe MM was a more of a blogger than we thought
. Koetter isn’t pure fail but he has left some big question marks so far. Four games is plenty of time to experiment/ change things if he can or wants to.
Koetter runs an offense that features alot of slower developing routes which greatly exacerbate our O-line issues. Some of us wanted a Walsh style WCO OC for this reason and a few others. Koetter could expand his repertoire to include plays reflecting the time issues created by having a less than ideal O-line, or at least we can hope he is capable. His time is running out to prove it and we can only wait and watch.
Paddy O
December 5th, 2012
7:24 pm
I”m not talking about trick plays – although an occasional “exotic” as Tom Landry called ‘em – might give our players something to be giddy about. I’m talking about a dynamic play scheme where no matter how the blocking goes on a specific play – if the middle colapses – Ryan has a quick out to avoid a sack; on the plays where the blocking holds up, Ryan has multiple options to pass to. Koetter is much better than MM, but he is nothing special thus far – at least to my eyes. His possession to possession adjustments frequently appear to be negative impacts. Some of this is Smitty Ball – trying to force Turner to be successful. However, the 2nd NO games proves at least to me that we still don’t have enough playbook to bring out wrinkles not seen in the previous game. this typically bites us – if the 2nd game is in the playoffs like the GB game, it gets embarassing.
Paddy O
December 5th, 2012
7:26 pm
If the oline is systematically crummy the entire game, you have to be able to pivot the game plan to adapt to this unanticipated reality. Welcome Back does NOT have that type of in-game adjustment flexibility ability. THAT is a carryover from MM.
Birdman
December 5th, 2012
7:32 pm
Evening Cage
I hope everyone has had a good day . Mine just ended . Been up since 3.45am .
21 sorry I did not see your post sooner it would have been nice to have met you brother . Maybe next time I am up that way. Back to Hilton Head next week but will be around home the rest of this one.
Unca’Bob and D3 thanks for the Schedule . looks like a good season up and coming . I just hope we address the O line and another RB in the off season this up and coming year.
Cage ya’ll keep it coming and have a blessed night . A little reading in the word and then its off to bed for me
GO FALCONS !!!!
Coop
December 5th, 2012
7:56 pm
So if any of you read WalterFootbal.com, I made his reader hate mail list! Yay! I called him out for being a biased tard and he called me a douchebag on his website. If you follow his picks, he’s only picked ATL correctly twice out of 12 games and if he bets what he writes, he’s lost several hundred bucks.
JB Falcon
December 5th, 2012
7:58 pm
PO, I get what you’re saying about “exotic” plays but have to believe in what I’ve heard for years. There are a limited number of ways to move the football, within the rules. I think the key to offense coaching/playing is the ability to know the tendency of the other team and use the appropriate play to take advantage of it. That, and the ability to execute the play properly.
JB Falcon
December 5th, 2012
8:03 pm
Coop, post a link.
Coop
December 5th, 2012
8:59 pm
http://www.walterfootball.com/nflpicks2012_14early.php
It’s in the KC/CLE writeup section.
John Waynesworld
December 5th, 2012
9:27 pm
That’s hilarious, Coop.
Coop
December 5th, 2012
9:36 pm
Atlanta Falcons (11-1) – Previously: #5 – Congratulations to the Falcons, for prevailing in their must-win game. Yes, Atlanta had a must-win situation on the line despite owning a 10-1 record. That’s what Michael Irvin opined prior to the Thursday night contest.
Color me unimpressed, by the way. The Falcons needed the worst performance in Drew Brees’ career to barely beat a pedestrian 5-7 squad. They still can’t stop the run or protect the quarterback. Guys like Tony Gonzalez want their team to get respect, but we’ve seen Atlanta have success in the regular season before. Maybe it’s not totally fair, but the Falcons need to prove themselves in the playoffs. Nothing they do until then really matters.
Coop
December 5th, 2012
9:38 pm
That was his writeup in power rankings. He had us 4th behind Texans… Ok, New England… Uh… Ok? …. And…. SF????? WTF???? The same SF that just lost to STL and who benched their QB????? That’s a biased tard in my opinion
Matty Bicep
December 5th, 2012
10:12 pm
The Falcons needed the worst performance in Drew Brees’ career to barely beat a pedestrian 5-7 squad. They still can’t stop the run or protect the quarterback.
It is funny, we get no credit at all for harassing Brees into the picks. We also shut down the Hamster, so our run D is just fine. Our QB was sacked 1 time against the Saints. It is funny the perceptions people have sometimes.
SP, you mention that our pass patterns are slow developing, I don’t have a feel for that because I can’t see on TV, but I do think we have a problem with our slot. I don’t know if it is route design, HD, or Ryan, but when we have to get rid of the ball quick by pressure coming up the middle, it just seems like the slot guy outta be busy.
What are your thoughts?