Atlanta Falcons: Birds Take on Bucs as Playoffs Await
Falcons vs. Bucs in Season Finale
Sit or Play? (Rick Ostentoski/AP)
How Much Do Starters Play?
That’s the big question as today’s game looms. It’s a very tough call in many regards. Do the Falcons keep their starters in for most of the game in hoping to keep the momentum going that they’ve built up the past few games as they head into an almost two week wait for the playoffs? Or do they pull their starters early on to prevent injuries and let many of the players completely heal? It’s a tough catch-22, but this much is known: Head Coach Mike Smith has got to find some way to have this team better prepared than the last time he achieved a first round bye. The Debacle in the Dome is still fairly fresh in fans mind and it all starts with Smith to have this team more prepared, more focused, and ready to play on a much higher level than 2010.
What was Smith’s Plan?
Yep, this is About Right (AJC)
As fellow Cage Member Arno said, if you say that you’re going to play to win, than you better be prepared to play lights out. To be fair, it was an extremely difficult game to manage. The Falcons had already locked up home-field advantage and the game literally meant nothing. Normal thought would have said to rest the starters, put the backups in, and try to win the game. But at the same time, perhaps remembering the Debacle from 2 years ago, Smith wanted to keep the momentum that had been built up the past two weeks blowing out the defending champs and beating the Lions pretty soundly on the road.
However, it became painfully apparent that the players weren’t focused and gameplan was pitifully weak. Add to that the fact that on consecutive plays, two of the Falcons defensive starters suffered injuries, both Dunta Robinson and Asante Samuel, and it didn’t seem to make sense why the starters were still in the game well into the 4th quarter. Matt Ryan was taking shots left and right and even John Abraham got injured and had to be carted off the field. Using 20/20 hindsight vision, it’s a little unfair to say that Smith had the wrong strategy all along, but it seemed as though Smith wanted the best of both worlds: get momentum while also not putting in 100% effort and focus. It also seems that Smith really didn’t have a backup plan in case things didn’t go as planned (see injuries to key starters). Hopefully, the injuries aren’t serious and the Falcons can use this as motivation to remember how well they need to prepare to get this first playoff win.
Will Over-reliance on Turner Cost in Playoffs?
First of all, the normal complaint about Turner getting way more carries than any other running back doesn’t hold weight. Turner got 6 carries, Rodgers got 5 carries, and Snelling got 3 carries. That breaks down very good percentage wise in terms of what most fans hope to see: Turner (43%), Rodgers (36%), and Snelling (21%). Both Turner and Rodgers had long runs of almost exactly the same, with Turner netting a 17 yard run and Rodgers getting a 16 yard run. Both of the long runs heavily inflated both players yards per carry: Rodgers – 5.6 and Turner – 3. If you dig down a little further, however, the production is still out of whack.
If you take out each of their long runs, Rodgers ypc goes down to 3 yards per carry, but Turner’s goes down to 0.2 yards per carry. Yes, 2 tenths, not 2 yards. It’s hard to use this game as a good indicator, but it’s a microcosm of the entire season. Rodgers, and it could be argued even Snelling, simply fit better and are more productive in the Falcons new offense. What should make fans think that anything will change once the playoffs hit when over a 16 game span not much has really changed at all. The fear is that the coaches, namely Mike Smith, will over rely on Turner yet again and it will cost the Falcons at the very worst time.
Injury Watch
Awful Injury (AJC)
Hopefully, none of the injuries are too serious, but fans wanted to scream when they started seeing not one, not two, but three defensive starters go down with injuries. First it was Dunta Robinson being taken to the locker room. Then it was Asante Samuel re-injuring his shoulder that’s been popping up all year. And to top it off, arguably the most important cog to the defense, John Abraham, goes down with an ankle injury and has to be carted off the field.
If for some reason these injuries play a role in the playoffs, Smith will get plenty of criticism in a meaningless game. Even though he wasn’t injured, Matt Ryan took his fair share of brutal hits when the OL decided to mentally stay at home on the couch. If nothing else, the two weeks should allow time for the Falcons to be the healthiest they’ve had all year. Hopefully, the players nicked up in the Bucs game will be back to good and William Moore, who’s missed the last 4 games, will be ready to go as well.
Have Lessons Been Learned?
The coaching staff has to be busy at work getting as much game-planning and research on the three teams they know they’ll face between the Seahawks, Vikings, and Redskins. The coaching staff and players basically have a bye week and they need to use it accordingly. It may be tough to do extensive research on 3 teams, but they can be doing some. The biggest thing that this playoff game boils down to is whether or not Head Coach Mike Smith has learned the lessons from his first 3 trips to the playoffs, all ending in losses. Ironically enough, the Falcons best outing was the first one where he and Matt Ryan were rookies.
He’s had every experience imaginable including two wild card games on the road and one home-field advantage #1 seed with a bye week. There was a thought among many fans that Smith played it way too lackadaisical and even soft. There were clips of the players with shorts and t-shirts and laughing and having a good time at practice. Maybe that’s unfair using 20/20 hindsight form the Debacle in the Dome, but it surely didn’t help.
Falcons Better Shore Up their Run Defense
HD One Bright Spot (AJC)
The Falcons are set to play either the Vikings, Seahawks, or Redskins in less than 2 weeks. All of them have excellent running backs and a playmaker at quarterback who is extremely mobile. In fact, all of the teams remaining in the playoffs have mobile QBs and all except the Packers also have a good running game to complement as well. They have bowed their necks when they’ve needed to, shutting down Doug Martin the first time, holding Alred Morris to no touchdowns, holding Ryan Matthews and Lesean McCoy in check.
However, they’ve also seen times where they’ve given up a ton of yards as well, namely Cam Newton, the Panthers, the Saints first game, among several others. They actually did a good job of shutting down Robert Griffin III the first time, but he’s had a lot more seasoning since then. Then of course there’s the best running back in the game in Adrian Peterson and Pro Bowler Marshawn Lynch. Russell Wilson, Colin Kaepernick, Frank Gore, and Christian Ponder are all out there as well. Ironically, the Falcons are one of the worst remaining rushing teams left in the NFC. The defensive line, linebackers, and all the secondary better be working hard on tackling and stopping the run, because otherwise, it will be another short off-season.
Enjoy and Go Falcons!!!!
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620 comments Add your comment
Hamad Meander
December 30th, 2012
7:08 pm
Folks who wanted starters to play significantly to ‘keep the momentum’ got what they wanted today. As an added bonus, we got Abe hurt, Samuel banged in the head, Ryan beat up, and everyone else a full game of contact. What happened to Roddy White sitting this one out? Or Julio?
I think this game shows problems with the coaching staff, front office, and everyone else. What was the point of playing Abe today? Why get our team beat up against a team that everyone knows plays hard and sometimes dirty?
If this game costs us a playoff win in two weeks, I’m going to be on the warpath.
Fuming, Frustrated Falcon Fan (F4)
December 30th, 2012
7:12 pm
Wings – HOPEFULLY, a brief flash here or there won’t blind TD to the fact that the “Burner” is flickering. Quizz doesn’t seem to have the “it” factor to be an every day back, and Snelling is used as a one trick pony apparently (battering ram).
I am still not sure how much of it is RB and how much OL.
Greg Mendel
December 30th, 2012
7:13 pm
“This team has the talent… no excuses in the playoffs.” — Big Lou
The Falcons have plenty of talent. That’s what’s worried me all year, despite the record. Either all that talent:
…isn’t being used properly
…is under-performing
…is being negated by untalented players
…or something else.
Why does the O-line soar one week and crash the next? When will we ever have a serious pass rush? When will we consistently stop the run? When we have an actual running game? I’d like to blame it all on the coach, but I just don’t think it’s that simple.
I DO think the Falcons will win their first playoff game. This time, they’ll play like madmen.
JJ
December 30th, 2012
7:14 pm
Matt Daniels,
Welcome to the cage but you stated several opinions as facts and that may fly in Shultz or Bradly’s bog, but not here. These cage members are die=hard fans that check up on all facts.
- We’ve been talking about the need to upgrade both sides of the line for yrs, no biggie ur new.
- MR targeted Jones 6x, White 10x and HD 8 x. So HE DID target them, MR was just off target today…it happens but surely sukks going into playoffs.
- they did blitz over a dozen times today but with a vanilla coverage scheme. IE- that 40yd scramble in the 3rd qt. by the muscle hermit was against a blitz.
Bottom line, we knew THE most conservative coach in nfl history would be ubber conservative today. But in my opinion, the players AND the coaches took this game for granted…shame toward us fanatics and die hard fans!!!
Big Lou
December 30th, 2012
7:14 pm
“Folks who wanted starters to play significantly to ‘keep the momentum’ got what they wanted today. As an added bonus, we got Abe hurt, Samuel banged in the head, Ryan beat up, and everyone else a full game of contact. What happened to Roddy White sitting this one out? Or Julio?
I think this game shows problems with the coaching staff, front office, and everyone else. What was the point of playing Abe today? Why get our team beat up against a team that everyone knows plays hard and sometimes dirty?
If this game costs us a playoff win in two weeks, I’m going to be on the warpath.”
You mean Dunta. right?
Come on, guys. We rested our starters in 2010 remember? Can we not learn from the mistakes?
Peyton Manning went through the same thing and lost in the first round, as well.
If you should be mad, be mad at the crappy game-plan by the coaches. Injuries were minor and they should be back for the playoffs. I think this game was necessary for the coaches and the players.
JJ
December 30th, 2012
7:25 pm
By the way, Duntas’ injury is on Dunta. Once again, he goes for a high “tv hit” instead of a good tackle with arms wrapped up. Hope we get him back for playoffs but he is piss poor in coverage and has been all yr long. Hes a thumper but cares more about the “hit” than the tackle. Id take Maclin any day in coverafe over Dunta…JMO.
JJ
December 30th, 2012
7:29 pm
SW said it after the pickup, “Dunta is stealing money from AB”. After watching him for 2 yrs, I totally agree!!! He would be better used as a thumper in nickle/dimes packages but hes getting paid too much not to start at CB. TD missed on this one but he was the best available FA at the time.
JJ
December 30th, 2012
7:38 pm
MD,
Your calling for a new signal caller…did you watch mularkshit the last 4 yrs?
My guess is Smith demanded ultra conservative playcalling in case any of our poss playoff opponents cant review film on us OVER THE LAST 16 GAMES, idiot smith.
But there is NO COMPARISON between cooter and mularkey…unless your new to this game we love called NFL.
Big Lou
December 30th, 2012
7:57 pm
Vikings won…
So that means Green Bay or Vikings, right?
Big Lou
December 30th, 2012
8:03 pm
Or is it whatever the lowest seed is?
Arno
December 30th, 2012
8:08 pm
GB losing means we won’t face them in two weeks.
Fuming, Frustrated Falcon Fan (F4)
December 30th, 2012
8:08 pm
Big Lou – That means next there is a rematch in Green Bay. If the Vikes win that one, they will come to Atlanta the next week. If Green Bay wins, the Falcons will host the winner of the other Game.
Big Lou
December 30th, 2012
8:10 pm
Ah, yeah, lowest seed.
Fuming, Frustrated Falcon Fan (F4)
December 30th, 2012
8:10 pm
If GB wins next week they will play San Fran there, I think.
They played the first week of the season, and San Fran won that one by 8 on the road.
Fuming, Frustrated Falcon Fan (F4)
December 30th, 2012
8:11 pm
Falcons likely path to the Superbowl – Seattle in two weeks, San Fran in 3.
Fuming, Frustrated Falcon Fan (F4)
December 30th, 2012
8:13 pm
IF, the AFC No.1 seed runs the table, AND the NFC No 1 seed runs the table it will be a rematch of the only other Falcons Superbowl appearance – against the Broncos team led by an aging hall of fame supersmart QB (then Elway, this time manning).
JB Falcon
December 30th, 2012
8:19 pm
The playoff schedule is as clear as mud to me. Doesn’t matter who we play. The way this thing works is that you have to beat whoever you play from here on out.
Arno
December 30th, 2012
8:20 pm
This focus issue– is it a non-issue? None of the NFC teams in the mix today, SF, GB, MIN, SEA, and I presume DAL and WSH, had issues with FOCUS. Only the Falcons. I just don’t like it. And I’m judging by the Falcons’ own standards. Their long-standing goal was to play at their best NOW. Big Lou should be right– shake this off and get ready.
JJ
December 30th, 2012
8:29 pm
http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/69357/playoff-scenarios-updated-744-et-p-m
JJ
December 30th, 2012
8:39 pm
Although we match up better against the cowgirls and I soo dislike meangelo hall, I’ve become a huge rg3 fan this yr…even if hes a cornball brother…still dont know what Parker meant…oh yea, rg3 was my ffl qb!!!
LRD
December 30th, 2012
8:40 pm
Glad we have time to heal for the next game. I am a bit worried that we just seemed “flat” today.
Showing my roots tonight.. but hoping the Skins win…
And bummed that Peterson ended up 9 yrds short… that stinks.
Big Lou
December 30th, 2012
8:48 pm
Arno….
You’re comparing teams that had something to play for compared to ATL, who had the number one seed locked. Kinda a moot point, IMHO.
Wings
December 30th, 2012
8:48 pm
After watching the Vikings – Packers game, how does Minnesota score so many points against Green Bay?
How does Minnesota’s offense look as though it cannot be stopped.
I really believe the Falcons’ offense is much better than the Vikings’ offense but the Falcons’ offense stumbles and misfires in every game played.
Big Lou
December 30th, 2012
8:51 pm
JJ
Meaning he wanted to be white, instead of embracing his culture. Cause he has a fine white girlfriend. Parker is a racist and a hater.
Believe it or not, we match up with Green Bay and Cowboys the best. All passing, poor run game.
I still think Seattle is overrated. Rookie QBs = snacks for MS era, especially with Mike Nolan.
Wings
December 30th, 2012
8:54 pm
Big Lou – “If you should be mad, be mad at the crappy game-plan by the coaches. ”
Your a 100% correct. I don’t think they know how to do a game-plan. It was horrible.
Big Lou
December 30th, 2012
8:55 pm
Lol
Tony Romo blows. Showing his true colors.
Wings
Greenbay’s defense is pretty bad, but remember that the Vikings have Peterson… who had close to 200 yards rushing. And we got… turtle, tubby turner.
Greg Mendel
December 30th, 2012
9:14 pm
Great game today. Falcons looked inept and sloppy. Prepare for two weeks of “We told you so!” from ESPN, etc., and our next opponent looking beyond the Falcons.
One and onward.
Matty Bicep
December 30th, 2012
9:20 pm
IDK, it I have not seen a team out there that really scares me, but when AP starts to cut outside I do uh oh, it really seems like everyone is moving in slow motion.
Big Ray
December 30th, 2012
9:23 pm
Funny, I did read a lost article about coaches on the “hot seat”, it just about every coach you could imagine, but not Smitty….I guess it would be pretty silly to put him on it. Right?
The one man whose opinion counts said he’s NOT on the hot seat. So, it matters not what is said on Sportscenter, much less this blog.
That said, if we go “one and done” in the playoffs AGAIN…I think “heated seats” will become an option on this ride…
Big Ray
December 30th, 2012
9:28 pm
Watching the Cowboys’ 1-2 punch at RB and wishing we had one more like that.
So while we need not talk at length about it, I look forward to finding out who we decide to pair with Quizz.
Ok…maybe I should say that I look forward to HOPING we find somebody to pair with Quizz.
Big Ray
December 30th, 2012
9:45 pm
Rob Parker is a loser, plain and simple. And also exceedingly jealous of guys like RG III.
Dude probably needs a $20 pill to get a $2 trick….ya dig….
JB Falcon
December 30th, 2012
9:45 pm
BR, I have to wonder how long a really good RB would sit on the bench.
darrell starks
December 30th, 2012
9:48 pm
This has to be the worst and dumbest move in Atlanta for all sports team, not only did you play them and risking injuries in a meanless game, but Coach played his players the hole game and for what ?
VERY VERY DUM ON COACH SMITH PART.
GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Matty Bicep
December 30th, 2012
9:53 pm
Yea, it was an SI article on coaches and GMs who could be on the hot seat, it had eveyone you can think of…. Interesting thing David Caldwell, the Falcons college scouting director is mentioned for several teams. Koetter was mentioned at a HC replacement, but I never saw Nolan mentioned…..
Wabe
December 30th, 2012
9:55 pm
Some of yall are reading too much into the Falcons game today…
It was disappointing they couldn’t go into the playoffs with the ‘momentum’ they were seeking, but it’s not that serious.
They’ve shown to be a tough team coming off losses, so if anything, this loss should keep them ‘focused’ and ‘motivated’ for when they’ll really need it, and that’s in the playoffs.
The Abe injury is said to be ‘minor’ according to Smitty. We’ll see exactly what we’re dealing with in the coming days. I also expect Dunta to be playing 2 weeks from now. No way a concussion suffered today keeps him out of action 2 weeks from now.
Overall, onto the playoffs. Nobody’s gonna be referencing this game two weeks from now, other than if Abe’s injury lingers. Outside of that, the way they played today won’t mean ish.
darrell starks
December 30th, 2012
9:56 pm
This playing your players for momentum when u have lock up home field advantage is a overcast statement.
Falcons played last season against Giants in playoffs and lost by 25points, so what momentum did they have the week before ?
GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Matty Bicep
December 30th, 2012
9:56 pm
If the Vikes beat Green Bay, we play the VIkes, if not
we play the winner NFC East vs Seattle.
Matty Bicep
December 30th, 2012
10:00 pm
So, it is either VIkes, Skins, Boys, or Sea Hawks.
Big Ray
December 30th, 2012
10:00 pm
Overall, onto the playoffs. Nobody’s gonna be referencing this game two weeks from now, other than if Abe’s injury lingers. Outside of that, the way they played today won’t mean ish.
This is true.
Yet…let’s hope we play the way we did against NY/Detroit, as oppposed to how we did today or against Carolina. Sorry, but I don’t have anything else to compare it to…
Big Ray
December 30th, 2012
10:01 pm
JB ,
I don’t even want to think about that.
Big Ray
December 30th, 2012
10:04 pm
I think Nolan’s stint as a HC might have ruined his appetite for the position.
That said, it is also difficult to get such a job and keep it. You have to be on the same page with the GM (and the owner, to some extent). You have to know you can get a Coordinator that you can trust for the “other side of the ball”. In Nolan’s case, he’d have to know he could get his hands on an OC he really trusts.
He’s been through that kind of failure before. Along with that, you MUST have a legit franchise QB.
Then there’s filling out the rest of the staff, drafting….
I bet Nolan is in no hurry to go back to all of that.
One thing we DO know is he’s good at his side of the ball. Even better than his current boss…
JJ
December 30th, 2012
10:07 pm
Big Ray,
Can never understand when people (of all races/ backgrounds) follow Dr. Kings message are labeled racist or Unca tom’s. One of the things I love and cherish about the cage family is we have transended (?) the racial barrier thru our love of the falcons and Dr. Kings message rings true in this cage. May it show others that love and friendship is color blind.
PS- Go Falcons!!!
darrell starks
December 30th, 2012
10:08 pm
You can see the players played to not get injured and guest what, almost cause some players to miss the playoffs, this what happen in meanless game and having homefield lockup, players not playing in fullspeed praying for no injuries will cause for some one to get hurt and you can tell Falcons did not have any energy and played straight flat because of the situation.
GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Matty Bicep
December 30th, 2012
10:13 pm
Nolan is a Defensive genius, the track record of guys like that are not good at being head coaches, different skill sets. But I hope Nolan is happy here.
darrell starks
December 30th, 2012
10:20 pm
Our CB can’t continue play so far of from WR.
Dunta and Samuel must attack being more aggressive on line.
Falcons are rank 23# in passing giving WR to much breathing room allowing WR to do what they want, this has to stop come playoffs.
GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
JJ
December 30th, 2012
10:22 pm
darrell, thats YDS not pts, there 5 th best before today!
darrell starks
December 30th, 2012
10:43 pm
JJ, Yes i understand the Falcons are rank 5th in allowing points, but teams are driving at will, why can’t Falcons get any 3downs and out on defense ?
Teams are eating up the clock putting more pressure on Falcons, forcing the offense to make plays every time in possesion this not good come playoffs.
GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!!
Hamad Meander
December 30th, 2012
10:49 pm
Big Lou – I thought Samuel got hurt as well with his bell rung. So we got (2) corners hurt?
Matty Bicep
December 30th, 2012
10:53 pm
But on a positive note, HD looked pretty good returning punts.
Big Lou
December 30th, 2012
11:06 pm
Hamad
Asante got a stinger on the shoulder. He was out a few plays and closed the rest of the game. He’s fine.
Dunta had the head injury… caused by himself, but he’s fine.
Abe is the one to worry about.