What Changes are Needed for Atlanta Falcons Offense?
Firecrackers, Dynamite Tosses, or Implosion?
What Changes Needed on O? (AJC)
As the sun sets on the 2012-13 NFL season, most Falcons fans are still grappling with “what could have been” before divulging and immersing into the off-season. For some, it’s therapeutic to jump right back into what the Birds need to fix, but for others a sabbatical from the Falcons and football in general will be needed. Either way, for 31 teams it will be months and months filled with how to reach the ultimate prize, including our Atlanta Falcons. Last off-season provided plenty of excitement with the former coordinators “finding new jobs” and the hiring of Dirk Koetter, Mike Nolan, and Pat Hill. This off-season may not have as many big changes as 2012, but it looks to be the most important one to date since the arrival of Mike Smith and Thomas Dimitroff. How do you go about changing and fixing a team that was only 10 yards away from the Super Bowl and was even up 17-0 early in the game? So with that in mind, The Cage offers a preview of what may need to occur on every facet of the Atlanta Falcons football franchise, starting with offense first: firecrackers (small), dynamite tosses (medium), or implosion (major):
Quarterback
Gotta Cut Out the Turnovers (AJC)
Obviously, this one is pretty easy to assess. Matt Ryan has become one of the best quarterbacks in the league, had a record setting year, and was likely in the top 3 of MVP candidates in 2012. The Falcons franchise quarterback has taken his game to a new level, won a playoff game, and came within yards of taking his team to the Super Bowl. He does, however, need to cut down on his turnovers, especially in the playoffs. He had two interceptions vs. Seattle (one was an enormously terrible decision and two turnovers that very well cost the Falcons the game vs. the 49ers. Roddy White slipping wasn’t his fault, but the fumbled snap was just mind-numbing. Ryan is the best chance the Falcons have ever had to win the Super Bowl, but has to cut out the turnovers in the big spots.
The backup QB situation, more specifically how the coaches handle the backup situation, needs an implosion. Dominique Davis looked like the real deal and even a potential starter one day when he was lighting it up in preseason. It was a no-brainer the Falcons would find a way to keep him, but instead of just promoting him to the #2 QB outright, they cut Chris Redman only to bring in washed-up and bounced around journeyman Luke McCown. And why is that exactly? They chose to keep an extra QB on the precious 53 man roster instead of just going with Davis as the backup? A perfect example of the Witness Protection Program that needs to be cast away for eternity. If the kid can play, put him in as the backup…….period. Assessment — Firecrackers
Running Back
Everyone in the world knows it. Does Mike Smith? Michael Turner will go down as arguably the best Falcons running back in franchise history in barely 5 years of service. His value is simply immeasurable in what he’s done for this franchise, the team, and the city. But the NFL is a business and it’s time for the Falcons and Turner to part ways. Some feel that Turner may have even outrun his effectiveness, at least for this new offensive scheme, by a year.
Quizz Must Get More Touches (AJC)
Regardless, the Falcons have to get faster, quicker, and, most importantly, more effective at the running back position in 2013. The offensive line isn’t the best in the league, but they have shown some improvement and can’t be the only culprit in the Falcons lack of a running game. Many feel that Jacquizz Rodgers and, particularly, Jason Snelling were heavily underused last year at the expense of force-feeding Turner in the run game.
It seems the Falcons are set in terms of depth with Snelling and Rodgers, but a new running back needs to be added. There’s not a ton out there worth much in terms of free agent running backs and the needs to look in free agency has been rendered fairly moot with the advent of rookie backs having immediate success. Most think it’s a matter of what round the back will be drafted, but some even feel that Turner might be brought back in some capacity, and if Turner’s on the roster there’s a good chance that Smith will use him. Rodgers and Snelling make this position very stable going forward, but as mentioned earlier, the coaches have to find the best mix to improve the running back position. There are plenty of high impact running backs in the draft and getting one sooner rather than later will likely be more effective. Assessment — Dynamite Toss
Wide Receiver
One of the strongest areas of the Falcons is their receiving force. Julio Jones and Roddy White make up one of the very best receiver tandems in the entire league. They along with Tony Gonzalez have made up an almost unstoppable trio this past year. It will be interesting to what whether Gonzalez will come back or retire and what the Falcons will do if he does retire. Regardless of what happens at the tight end position, Atlanta is set at the top two spots. Roddy will be turning 32 in November, but he’s shown no signs of slowing down.
Is HD the Answer @ Slot? (AJC)
The other spots are less settled. As much as everyone loves and is pulling for the hometown kid Harry Douglas, a question needs to be asked if he is the answer as the slot receiver. He’s a had a few bright spots here and there, but has definitely not been the boom we all thought after his rookie season. He does catch the ball very well, but rarely gets a ton of yardage after the catch and just hasn’t taken off as many thought. Fans will have nightmares for the next many months replaying “the trip,” where Douglas fell down on a perfect play call with a perfect throw that would have likely seen him walk into the endzone and put the Falcons ahead late.
Drew Davis and Kevin Cone have shown very good talent and should start getting more looks next season and it wouldn’t be the worst thing to take a chance on a receiver later in the draft since they look to have several compensatory picks in this year’s draft. Since Julio and Roddy are so dominant at the top, it’s obviously not going to need much work, but this year should decide whether Douglas is really the answer at slot receiver. Assessment — Firecrackers
Tight End
Clearly this one can’t be assessed until Tony Gonzalez decides whether he’s hanging up his cleats or coming back for one more year. It seems that the longer he waits to decide, the more likely it is for him to come back for one more go. If he was going to retire, wouldn’t we probably have heard it by now? If Gonzalez comes back for another year, the Falcons are definitely set and ready to go with Gonzo leading the way and Michael Palmer and Chase Coffman continuing to develop under him. Palmer and Coffman look to be a part of the TE rotation for some time to come. Palmer is a great blocking tight end with reliable hands and a chain mover and Coffman appears to be getting back the potential he had in college as a vertical threat in the passing game. It’s questionable whether either can take over full-time for Gonzalez, but they offer an excellent, complimentary tight end rotation.
Is Coffman Starter Material? (AJC)
The question really centers around what they will do if Gonzalez does in fact retire. There’s a possibility that the Falcons could try and use both Palmer and Coffman to both try and pick up the slack, but it’s hard to conceive that even both of them combined could match Gonzalez’s almost insane production last season. If they go with just Palmer and Coffman, they would need a lot more help from the likes of Harry Douglas, Drew Davis, Kevin Cone, and all of the running backs.
Another option is to use an early pick in the draft on a tight end, but history has shown that you don’t need to use an early pick to get an excellent tight end (Jimmy Graham – 3rd rd; Aaron Hernandez – 4th rd) and that many taken in the first round haven’t necessarily lived up to their pick status (Jermaine Gresham, Brandon Pettigrew to name a few). With so many holes on the defensive side of the ball, tight end shouldn’t be a priority in the first few picks. The final option is to look into free agency. There’s not a ton available in free agency, but one target to keep an eye on is Jared Cook. Cook is from North Gwinnett High School and played well at South Carolina. He had a good year and could really take off with a quarterback like Matt Ryan. Assessment — Gonzalez Comes Back: Firecrackers; Gonzalez retires – Dynamite Toss
Offensive Line
Where Will Konz End Up? (AJC)
The bane of many fans existence managed to pull itself together pretty well towards the end of the season, especially in the playoffs. They got much better in terms of pass protection, but have a ways to go in terms of run blocking. They aren’t the sole culprit for the lack of running game success, but they are a major reason. Much like the defensive line, it’s a knock against both Mike Smith and Thomas Dimitroff. How can there be issues every single year at virtually every position on the offensive line year in and year out? The only spot that’s been somewhat stable is left guard with Justin Blalock. Tyson Clabo was seemingly set at right tackle, but had a very sub-par year in 2012. Sam Baker was a pleasant surprise at left tackle, having one of his best years there.
Center and right guard are definitely in flux and, like Turner, the Falcons must let McClure ride off into the sunset as he will turn 36 in a few weeks. He may want to come back, but his play has definitely slipped as he’s gotten older and represented one of the weakest areas of the OL. It will be interesting to see what the Falcons do with Peter Konz. He was the best center in the draft, but played admirably at right guard only after Garrett Reynolds got hurt. Many believe that Konz should slide over to his natural position of center, adding both youth and beef in front of Matt Ryan. The biggest name to keep an eye on is Lamar Holmes in 2013. If he’s not starting in some capacity this season, than the pick has to be considered a bust. He showed great flashes in preseason and was predictably never heard from again. A thought that Holmes could either take over for Sam Baker at left tackle and have Baker move to right tackle. Another scenario would have Holmes starting at right tackle and move Tyson Clabo inside to guard, adding some much needed beef, muscle, and strength to an overall underwhelming offensive line.
Will Holmes (#76) Be a Starter? (AJC)
A few final scenarios could see Joe Hawley take over at center, thus keeping Konz at right guard and still another, which is a fan favorite’s of The Cage, is to use one of the early picks on the best available guard and plug him in next to Konz. While the offensive line did show some glimpses and did improve, they won’t be mistaken for the best OL in the league anytime soon. While not needing a completely overhaul, some serious decisions will need to be made in 2013 if the Falcons want to reach their ultimate goals in 2013. Assessment — Dynamite Toss
Offensive Coaching / Philosophy
It’s hard to argue with what the Falcons did this year on offense. Matt Ryan not only set career highs for himself, but also broke a handful of franchise records as well. Roddy White and Julio Jones both went over 1,000 yards receiving and Tony Gonzalez was very close. The running game wasn’t always pretty, but Jacquizz Rodgers showed that he will definitely be a part of the Falcons backfield for some time to come. There’s really not much to complain about overall. The only thing that needs fixing is when the Falcons would just go on major cold streaks on offense, be it quarters or even sometimes entire halfs at a time. They picked a bad time to get cold on offense in the playoffs and it nearly cost them the Seattle game (4th quarter) and did cost them the Niners game (no points in second half). Adding some speed in the backfield and shoring up the offensive line should make this offense even more dangerous. Assessment — Firecrackers
The Cage Brothers Turn
1) Quick Pitch — What’s your overall thoughts on the Falcons offense going forward in 2013?
2) What are the most pressing changes the Falcons need to make on offense?
3) What should Matt Ryan work on this off-season?
4) Your feelings about the backup QB spot: should Davis be #2?
5) Running Back: keep Turner, cut Turner but bring him back in a reduced role, draft a running back, or get one in free agency?
6) What round should the Falcons be looking to draft an RB?
7) Wide Receiver: Is Harry Douglas the answer at slot?
8.) Are Kevin Cone and Drew Davis keepers?
9) Should the Falcons take a WR in the draft?
10) What should Atlanta do if Gonzalez does retire: Coffman/Palmer, draft, or free agency?
11) What should the starting OL look like in 2013?
12) Will Holmes get in the lineup? What about Clabo and Baker? Where should Konz start?
13) Should the Falcons take an OL in the draft, if so when?
14) What changes should be made in terms of offensive scheme and / or philosophy?
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603 comments Add your comment
Matty Bicep
February 4th, 2013
10:03 pm
I brought this point up after the New England game, Baltimore ran the ball the ball 30 a 3.3 average. Against the 9ers, they ran the ball 43 times for a 2.8 average……Something to be said for being committed to the run.
JB Falcon
February 4th, 2013
10:07 pm
BR, I read DOL’s post and think MT is going to have to go. Re-negotiate Abe. imo
Matty Bicep
February 4th, 2013
10:08 pm
Not 43 times, 32 times for under 3YPC….
JB Falcon
February 4th, 2013
10:14 pm
I’m glad I’m not the guy with horrible breath at the party that no one wants to talk to .
Good night!
Mike
February 4th, 2013
10:18 pm
I would like us to add a guard via FA. A RB in the 2nd or 3rd round. I think some of our problems was teams had no respect at all for our ability to run. It was painfully apparent when we played teams with nothing to lose Arizona and Oakland come to mind). It seemed these guys would sell out to get to the QB and had no respect what so ever for our ability to run. I really believe if TG does not come back J Cook will be a Falcon next year. Any thoughts on even if we pick up a running back on day 2 of the draft, say round 5 or 6 Lattimore is on the board…would anyone here think we should take a chance on him . I think he is high risk-reward and later rounds maybe worth a shot.
Matty Bicep
February 4th, 2013
10:21 pm
Don’t think Lattimore gets out of round 3…..buuut, taking a risk on an injured player is not outside TDs comfort zone….If he is there in round 5-6, it would not shock me.
falcon21
February 4th, 2013
10:22 pm
Big Ray, I can deal with the first timers coming on here and being one and done, it’s the people like the Mad Blogger that come on here and keeps talking his BS. You guys sent me a message at one point to tone it down and out of respect for y’all I did. Some just don’t get the message.
Matty Bicep
February 4th, 2013
10:25 pm
Go to bed.
Raleigh
February 5th, 2013
12:11 am
Our intent on influencing our will has to be questioned! Throughout the year we would have opponents on their heels and let them back into the game. Kill the Mr. Nice guy routine and lets bust the scoreboard a few times! And could we please use our no huddle more. It is just as, if not , as potent as, the spread option. Other than those two suggestions, great job!!
Oracle
February 5th, 2013
12:48 am
ALL Hands on deck for Matt Ryan again …the man requires way to much help to be successful . Look at all of our 1st & 2 round pick and top free agents on offense . Their all there to prop up this very average stat padding QB ! Make him earn it like other top QB’s who use low round picks for receivers and backs like Brady ,manning,rothlisenberger,Bree’s ,Rogers …… These other quarterbacks can light it up and win games without a great running game as well . Matt is draining the teams resources just to prop him up …ask his teammates they know the truth !!! Every year some dumb ass fans want more help for Matt again and again !
Oracle
February 5th, 2013
1:07 am
Watch how last years game film (which is now in the hands off other teams coaches ) effects Matt Ryan stats next season . This new offensive smoke and mirrors game plan won’t work again after intense offseason study by def. coordinators …that’s what happened to mularkey schemes unfortunately , because that is what happens with all system QB’s like Matt !! He does not have a second gear so now he will be exposed again next season ! Look out!!! Buyer beware !!
DIRTY BIRDS
February 5th, 2013
1:21 am
We definitely need to boost our defense, specially pass rusher and run stoppers. In the 2nd half of the 49ers game our defense fell apart special stopping the run, the 49er RBs had 3Tds; 2 by gore 1 by James. If we had Little bit better defense it could’ve been us winning the Super Bowl!!!! We could get a good RB vie free agency or by trading. I would look @ trading for Bernard pierce, or getting Bennie wells, but our focus for the draft should be drafting best defensive players available in the1st 3 rounds.
Cjdatl
February 5th, 2013
1:26 am
@Die Hard Falcon: Yes I’m reffering to Rodgers. He has a mobility that Ryan lacks.
As for the offensive line I think Baker and Blaylock are set. Everything else is up for grabs.
In the draft and free agency, you need to find a DE and a DT with pass rushing skills, also a linebacker with speed to match opposing TE’s. And finally, I love your singing DeCoud, but you need to pick up speed and learn how to tackle or you should get used to the bench.
Hotrod1
February 5th, 2013
2:25 am
For the people who want to get rid of Matt Ryan.
That would set the Falcons back 3 to 5 year.
Might as well get rid of all players 30 years or older because they will be close to 40 by the time you draft another quarterback and get him up to close to what Matt is right now.
Keep Turner only if he takes far less money. He makes way to much for a back that runs the ball 10 to 15 times a game.
I would go with Snelling and Rodgers next season.
Falcons drafted two offense lineman with their first picks last year so I would not draft one this year.
Draft for defense this draft in first four rounds.
Offense was good enough to get to the super bowl this season, so we need to get a little better on defense. Settle scored 28 points in the second half. 49ers had 6 long drives.
Fix defense this year and wait until 2014 to add tight end, running back, and another reciver.
You should always draft a offense lineman in rounds 5 to 7 because one of those will come up gold and be a starter.
jwork
February 5th, 2013
2:54 am
I go two words for the Falcons and the RB situation we have…Antone Smith…trust me…feed….him…the…ball
jason
February 5th, 2013
4:00 am
i think they need to pick up reggie bush for one year to see wat he can do he will be a fee agent
Slant Pattern
February 5th, 2013
5:08 am
“I agree absolutely. I want another RB in the draft, and maybe one via FA. Problem is, we have cap issues, as we were warned by Slant Pattern and Seminole Warrior .” – BR
I am around my friend
. That distinction belongs to SW I believe, I just backed him up. Maybe that will get SW back around more, I really want to hear his opinion on the FSU RB I asked about lol…might be a late rounder to watch for.
Good job all holding down the fort. The trolls will be having a go for a bit, one of the major ones lost a bet on another site and the other blogs here have changed to a sign up format. Things will prolly get rough in here for a bit. Seeing the great convos makes me wanna cut vacation short.
Slant Pattern
February 5th, 2013
5:11 am
“You should always draft a offense lineman in rounds 5 to 7 because one of those will come up gold and be a starter.” – Hotrod1
First off welcome to the Cage. I agree with what you are selling in your post but especially this. Last training camp we brought in a ton of UDFA WRs, we need to do the same this year with line prospects on both sides and RB. There always seems to be a diamond in the rough, McClain really saved our bacon this year.
marko
February 5th, 2013
6:00 am
Thanks D3, interesting choice leading with the offense. It’s like giving us a little parsley, and saving the meat and potato’s for later. First rumbles out of flowery branch suggest that Turner and Abraham may be on the chopping block. Turner makes sense. Too much pay for production. Abraham on the other hand is a bit of a head scratcher. Why fire 90% of our pass rush? Is this confirmation that next season the red and black jerseys will be assembled in a thirty-four formation?
I’ll throw out a name that doesn’t get a lot of discussion, Phillipkeith Manley. Undrafted out of mighty Toledo, He’s currently hiding behind the Konz on the depth chart. I heard on some radio program, sorry I forgot which one, that he’s used his promotion from the practice squad to good effect. He puts on daily displays of belligerence and aggression that we haven’t seen since Harvey Dahl ran away and joined the circus. Is somebody about to emerge from the witness protection program?
GUYBOB
February 5th, 2013
6:43 am
ALL WE NEDED IS ONE PASS INTERFERENCE CALL IN LAST MINUTE AGAINST SAN FRAN. WE ARE AMONG ELITE IN LEAGUE. WE PLAYED ALMOST EVERY GAME DOWN TO THE LAST PLAY. I AM PROUD OF THEM!!
BIG CHUCK
February 5th, 2013
7:44 am
This was my first time posting on a D3 blog. It seems like, no it is whenever you voice an opinion against his golden boy Matt Ryan. D3 reacts like a scorn woman. It’s a public blog so opinions are gonna vary. You need to burst your Ryan bubble and not resort to calling names sweety.
Ryan
February 5th, 2013
8:12 am
The Falcons need a run game, which means losing Turner. Then they need defensive players to make big plays. Maybe a new DE then some defensive backs that aren’t afraid of hitting a tight end.
bob
February 5th, 2013
8:24 am
biggest need is pass rush. I don’t care how good your db’s are, they can’t cover forever. Look at Brady in the playoffs. When he’s pressured he isn’t that good and when he has his usual 5-7 seconds to throw he’s dynamite. Hope Falcons can get rb Lacey from Ala. Need quick, fast, powerful rb to take pressure off Ryan and make passing game even better. I still haven’t heard an explanation for the slip on the pass to Douglas. Was he so open he just froze? Also need to teach Samuel how to wrap up when tackling. trying to block the guy down doesn’t get it. When team gets lead need to keep aggressive on offense instead of playing “not to lose”
resqme_72
February 5th, 2013
8:33 am
I genuinely feel that the only thing missing is the coaches’ killer instinct. They play too nice. Put your foot on the other teams neck…..AND KEEP IT THERE….FOR 4…..QUARTERS!
JJ
February 5th, 2013
8:36 am
Awe, dont cry little chuky!
Different opinions are welcomed IF there backed up with some facts/stats.
MR finished in the top 5 in qb ratings and won a few games for us.
ps- your boy vick needs ur support in philly.
Love_the_bird
February 5th, 2013
8:37 am
Offense had many opportunites to score on the second half, but Falcons offense blew it. Whose fault was it? Falcons were definitely out of shape physically and mentally. Matt Ryan looked confused and could not think straight. Also, the game plan was predictable and terrible. Falcons need coordinators who can surprise the opponents on the second half. Need a team captain who bring a lot of energy to the team. It is going to get a lot tougher this coming season.
D3
February 5th, 2013
8:47 am
Great Tuesday Cage!
All opinions are welcome, but we’ve had a lot of rock crawlers come out from under the bridge because the post was linked on the home page.
Big Chuck — Dude, your opinion’s not even worthy of a response, but I’ll lower myself a little for your obtuse self. Guess you didn’t read this part, because you know, reading the entire article, comprehending points of view that aren’t the same as your own, making a coherent, objective analysis of your own is a little bit difficult, right? So I guess you missed this one……….
He does, however, need to cut down on his turnovers, especially in the playoffs. He had two interceptions vs. Seattle (one was an enormously terrible decision and two turnovers that very well cost the Falcons the game vs. the 49ers. Roddy White slipping wasn’t his fault, but the fumbled snap was just mind-numbing.
You clearly haven’t been reading this blog for awhile, because I’ve definitely been very critical of Ryan many, MANY times. But it’s easier to just ignore facts and go with an infantile and childish response of “HAHAHAHAHA.”
And, by the way, it’s scornED woman, not scorn. You also evidently were trying to change tenses mid-sentence, and it just came out sloppy. “It seems like, no it is whenever you voice…….” You need a comma in there somewhere I believe.
You can crawl back under the bridge now “sweety (I believe the slang term is probably spelled ’sweetie,’” but I guess you’re clearly not worried about that type stuff, eh?
Matty Bicep
February 5th, 2013
8:49 am
I don’t think anyone advocates getting rid of Ryan, that is just plain stupid. We were a play away from the Superbowl, closer than Tom Brady, Aaron Rogers and Drew Brees got, so it is not exactly time to stick our heads in the oven. However, he cannot turn the ball over at critical points in the 2nd half and expect to win games. He just can’t. Defensively, we were poor, but offensively, I thought we looked good in the 2nd half. The line blocked well, the RBs ran hard, the receivers caught every ball thrown their way…I don’t know, that is what I saw.
Oracle
February 5th, 2013
8:56 am
Hotrod1
Your emotionally tied to Matt Ryan and I don’t mean that as an insult…..no team in the history of the NFL has given a QB this much help. If you give a QB that much help then your openly saying that matt can use his weapons to overcome all of the other teams holes that were neglected ! Teams can’t have it both ways with a spoiled QB and a top notch defense because of the salary cap restrictions ….Matt has not over come the teams deficiencies caused by his overwhelming needs . Many QB’s would do far more with less talent around them . Matt is average, but he stands on the shoulders of his great playmakers and solid coaching staff ! He’s a nice guy and good man but he ain’t got it !!!
Falcon 34
February 5th, 2013
9:07 am
I guess Joe Montana didn’t have Jerry Rice, John Taylor, Dwight Clark, Roger Craig and Tom Rathbun
I guess John Elway didn’t have Terrell Davis, Ed McCaffrey, Shannon Sharpe, and Rod Smith.
I guess Aaron Rodgers didn’t have Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, James Jones, Jordy Nelson, and Jermichael Finley.
I guess Eli Manning didn’t have Ahmad Bradshaw, Brandon Jacobs, Hakeem Nicks, Mario Manningham, and Victor Cruz.
I guess Joe Flacco didn’t have Torrey Smith (2nd rd), Anquan Boldin (2nd rd), Ray Rice (2nd rd), Bernard Pierce (2nd rd) to win a trophy.
I suppose Drew Brees didn’t have Marques Colston, Devery Henderson (2nd rd), Jimmy Graham (3rd rd), Robert Meachem (1st rd), Mark Ingram (1st rd) either.
Dude, if you hate Matt Ryan than just admit it, it would save us all a lot of headaches trying make sense of blind vitriol masked as intelligent objectivity.
Matty Bicep
February 5th, 2013
9:09 am
no team in the history of the NFL has given a QB this much help.
IDK, I sorta remember a team investing 2 No1s in WRs, And going out and buying a high dollar free agent who was peerless. I think that QB finished about 27th in passing. So investing in WRs is not all that uncommon, nor does it guarantee anything regarding QB stats.
Falcon 34
February 5th, 2013
9:11 am
And by the way, Dimitroff didn’t draft Roddy White (who was before Ryan if you didn’t pay attention), traded a second rounder for Gonzalez, and took Julio in the first. Quizz was 5th round, Palmer UDFA, Cone UDFA, D.Davis UDFA, HD 3rd rd, Snelling UDFA. Not really understanding your point anymore now that research and FACTS have come to light.
May want to frequent other blogs where intelligence and the ability to actually have facts based in truth ARE NOT required.
ctfalconsfan
February 5th, 2013
9:32 am
Matt Ryan is fine so let’s move on to more pressing issues.
1) Resign Tony G
2) free agent RB (I’ve said it before, this offense is way to explosive to trust a rookie RB)
3) Shufflle the OL (maybe a FA or a 2nd/3rd round pick)
- The running game was even more terrible when you consider how our WR can now stretch the field so the running game SHOULD HAVE opened up more than it did this past season..
The main problem with the offense is the coaching. (Much much better than Mularkey). We are a passing team so we need to continue to pass until the opposing defense stops us then change up with the run. In the NFL a 17 point lead isn’t safe until you have the ball with less than 2 minuets to play and the other team has no TO! Trying to effectively run the ball against San Fran when Smitty knew we couldn’t just to take a couple of extra min of the clock is inexcusable.
In the future when we are up 17-0, we need to stay in a no huddle, get up to the line and THROW!! and keep throwing!!
P.S. – I’m not a fan of 3rd and less than 3 when WE ALWAYS go into a shot gun formation and most times have no RB in the backfield. Ryan is no threat to run so all 11 defenders know it’s going to be a pass. We need to be able to mix that up more.. Just my two cents even though we were #1 in 3rd down conversions, I believe….
We can discuss Defense and Special needs in the coming weeks..
SOMEBODY NEEDS TO TELL THE TRUTH
February 5th, 2013
9:39 am
WOW! Matt Ryan haters are definitely amongst us here in the cage. For those that defend Ryan, not willing to read, or listen to different opinions…there’s not an ounce of difference between you, and the so called “trolls” that wander in here from time to time.
What I will say, I was truly taken aback from some regulars in here who’s sole purpose of watching the SuperBowl was to see Flacco fail. Every time Flacco dropped backed to pass, some of you wanted his passes to be errant, or intercepted, both of the the QB’s (Ryan/Flacco) were drafted in the same year, some in here actually despise Flacco’s post season successes…and him winning the Lombardi, because they don’t wont a glimmer of seperation between the two, don’t wont to here the pundits regurgitate, time and time again, how Flacco has seperated himself from Ryan, and by their account, has joined the elite class.
If you ask me, some of the behavior associated with my aforementioned statement was childish, and IMHO, was not indicative of fans of the game. Just my opinion.
Wings
February 5th, 2013
9:46 am
JB Falcon, Falcon21, and Unca’Bob thanks for the big laughs this morning re “dumb and dumber”.
BR- “Here’s the tough part – I REALLY like Tony Gonzalez. But it may be something we have to move on from. If he retires, it could be a good thing in that it forces us to move past the offense we’ve been leaning on and beef up in other areas. Like the running game. ”
I am afraid it will become a diversion from the real problems.
Paddy O
February 5th, 2013
10:05 am
If Tony G comes back, we only need to shuffle the O line a little, and need a super quick RB, with catching ability and leaping ability. Our defense is where the conversation is.
Big Ray
February 5th, 2013
10:06 am
SP ,
Would love to have ya around more, but do your thing. I know you’ll be hot to trot when ya get back!
Big Ray
February 5th, 2013
10:13 am
SOMEBODY ,
Interesting observations. I’m sure there’s a Ravens board you can go to and pay homage to Flacco.
My point on him is what it’s always been – he’s not the same as Ryan. He isn’t asked to do as much….and he doesn’t produce as much.
I didn’t see anybody that wanted him to fail…if anything, most of us wanted the 49ers to get beat.
Swap QBs in those positions and see who does what. Does Flacco come to the ATL and get into the playoffs 5 years in a row, winning several playoff games and this year…a SB? Really? In these conditions and circumstances? To even suggest so is to say that our running game is damn good, our defense is even better, and our OL has no holes, issues, etc.
Put Ryan in Flacco’s place and tell me how many comeback wins he has to lead. Give him a mostly dominant defense and a RB that is top 5 in the League any given year, able to run the ball in short yardage, long gash, and receiving the ball out of the backfield all equally well.
Flacco had a hell of a run in the postseason as a QB. He gets his due. He also had a hell of a lot of help.
Big Ray
February 5th, 2013
10:14 am
And pardon me if I’m loyal to MY team, and MY QB.
Paddy O
February 5th, 2013
10:14 am
cdog – hate to break it to you – but your profoundly, and utterly, full of manure. If you think Ryan is a bad QB, you are also a moron.
Nookah
February 5th, 2013
10:18 am
Greetings Cagers!!
So it is “Bash Matt Ryan Day” in the Cage by a few. I’ll just say this. All bloggers are entitled to their opinions. Nothing wrong with that. As all faithful Falcon fans know, MR2 has his flaws like any other QB in the league and he will be the first to tell you that too. As in any other offseason, he will continue to work and get better at his craft and I know he will be superb next year.
It was suggested earlier that MR2 needs too much help around him. Well let’s examine the recent SB losers/NFC champions SF 49ers……http://www.49erswebzone.com/forum/niners/167213-49ers-2012-roster-fifteen-1st-round-picks/
Not bad huh!! Enough on the MR2 bashing. We Falcon fans know what we have and regardless of the negative opinions on him, I’m glad I have him as our QB.
We need a scat back with lots of speed. Quizz can be utilized much more than he was this year, but he has no top end speed. Double 3 has served us well but I think it’s time for a change.
DD should be unquestionably #2 QB.
We need an upgrade in the slot, plain and simple. HD is a great guy but he is not what a championship calibre team needs. We need an elusive, tough, dynamic route runner of the Wes Welker mould and HD is not that guy. I don’t think we can wait another year to see what he has. We already know and we need to make a change. We need a second option to Gonzo so defences can stop keying in on him and give defenses more to think about in the slot. How about a Wes Welker rental for a year or 2?
Gonzo will be back. I said this a few weeks ago an I firmly believe he is going to give it one more ride. Chase Coffman is an excellent pass-catching TE but I am hoping his blocking can improve. Remember this when he was coming out of Missouri? http://www.buffalorumblings.com/2009/3/13/763226/rumblings-scouting-report
In the draft the blue-print should be simple, OL, DL to death. A RB and a WR somewhere in the later rounds (say 4 or 5). Someone mentioned Chris Ivory. I think that idea came from darrell starks originally and endorsed by Matty Biceps. Can’t say I’d be unhappy with that. Only thing is he is a restricted FA and I do not want to give the Aints anything, not even a thought.
Go Falcons!!
.
Matty Bicep
February 5th, 2013
10:21 am
Agreed, Flacco had some mojo going with Mr Bolden, but he could not run the Falcons offense, nor could Eli run big brothers, but who has more rings? But we threw the ball 66% of our plays against the 49ers. When we do that, we tend to lose.
I know we all want to keep the pedal to the metal and be like Green Bay, but err, how did they fair this year? But I agree, we need some speed in the backfield, we have to threaten the perimeter, otherwise, everyone come,
Matty Bicep
February 5th, 2013
10:22 am
And pardon me if I’m loyal to MY team, and MY QB.
And pardon me if I am loyal to MY coach.
SOMEBODY NEEDS TO TELL THE TRUTH
February 5th, 2013
10:22 am
Big Ray, you sir (I use that word very generously) are an idiot.
I knew someone would bite, completely take my post out of context. I did not once compare the two…and further more, don’t suggest (tell) me where to go to voice my opinions, right here in the cage is where I be…and will stay SIR!
Matty Bicep
February 5th, 2013
10:23 am
Everyone comes through the A gap. We have to have a RB who can get outside, and at least be a threat.
Big Ray
February 5th, 2013
10:24 am
Nookah ,
That’s just it. Dude DOES have flaws. But if you don’t harp on them like they’ve lost us a ton of easily winnable games, you’re promoting him as a golden boy. It gets old. Criticism is one thing, bashing is another.
Moving on and ignoring he trolls, both foreign and domestic.
Big Ray
February 5th, 2013
10:30 am
I knew someone would bite, completely take my post out of context.
Meaning you had intentions with your post. Like I said…
And your insults are hilarious. It’s a blog. No consequences….
I didn’t say you should go elsewhere, now did I? Talk about not understanding context. I said there was a Ravens blog where you could go pay homage to Flacco. Doing so here has no gratification to speak of…..read, buddy. READ.
both of the the QB’s (Ryan/Flacco) were drafted in the same year, some in here actually despise Flacco’s post season successes…and him winning the Lombardi, because they don’t wont a glimmer of seperation between the two, don’t wont to here the pundits regurgitate, time and time again, how Flacco has seperated himself from Ryan, and by their account, has joined the elite class.
This is not a comparison of any sort? “Flacco has separated himself from Ryan…has joined the elite class.”
I don’t have a problem with an opinion, but don’t try to pass this off as NOT being a comparison…
Or do you not even understand what you wrote? Or what a comparison/contrast is?
I’M the idiot? LOL….
Big Ray
February 5th, 2013
10:31 am
MB ,
Who is handing out the pardons, or do we hand them out to each other? Now you know this ain’t gonna work…
Nookah
February 5th, 2013
10:31 am
The link I posted about the 49ers isn’t working I see. I pated the info below. -15 1st round picks, how many do we have?
Wonder if this is a NFL record
Michael Crabtree
Anthony Davis
Leonard Davis
Vernon Davis
Ted Ginn Jr.
Mike Iupati
A.J. Jenkins
Randy Moss
Carlos Rogers
Aldon Smith
Alex Smith
Justin Smith
Joe Staley
Donte Whitner
I guess all QB’s, not only Ryan, need help to become a great team don’t they?
Big Ray
February 5th, 2013
10:32 am
Let me further break this down SOMEBODY….going to another blog to praise a person on that blog’s team is in NO WAY related to leaving the Cage and never returning to post here, which is NOT what I suggested.
There. Now perhaps you’ve got a better handle on what context truly means.