Falcons’ charmed existence ends, problems start with Turner
Here's a familiar scene: Falcons running back Michael Turner getting hammered by the Dallas defense in Sunday's 37-21 loss. (Ron T. Ennis/Fort Worth Star-Telegram)
ARLINGTON, Texas – After a performance that saw them commit three turnovers, allow four sacks, have their running back again look like he was trying to move with bricks tied to his ankles, allow a 72-yard punt return for a touchdown and generally get slam-danced Sunday by a Dallas team that struggled to defeat Kansas City, we can safely say this about the Falcons:
They’re probably not this bad.
But do you know what they have been?
Fortunate.
After weeks of tiptoeing over hot coals with a scrambled secondary, they finally watched an opponent turn yards into touchdowns. After weeks of skating on offense despite mediocre performances from a sluggish-looking Michael Turner, having only half of a well-functioning offense finally came back to bite them.
That’s how a 4-1 start turns into a 37-21 loss. That’s how a charmed existence suddenly blows like a Peep in a microwave.
“I felt like we did some uncharacteristic things,” coach Mike Smith said.
And folks, rest assured that his analysis in a team film session Monday will not be put so delicately.
Matt Ryan hadn’t been sacked in four games. Against Dallas, he was sacked four times and pounded often. His offensive linemen resembled milk bottles being knocked over by a softball. Protection was weak. Run-blocking was weaker.
“We got whipped,” tackle Tyson Clabo said.
Acceptance is wonderful thing. It’s the first step toward fixing a problem.
Michael Turner might want to try that.
The field was covered with enough Falcons’ dread Sunday that to pin the loss on one player wouldn’t be right. But Turner is a good place to start. Bottom line: He hasn’t been the same running back he was a year ago. He averaged only 2.8 yards per carry Sunday (18 for 50). He is averaging only 3.4 yards per carry and has gone over 100 yards once in six games, after breaking 100 eight times last season (all wins).
Even illegal mugging (see the penalty flag) couldnt help Brent Grimes stop Miles Austin from scoring this touchdown. (AP photo)
Now, we can sit here and bang on the Falcons’ defense in general and the secondary in particular. But the defense wasn’t expected to be great this season, and it took a big hit when it lost defensive tackle Peria Jerry for the season. The secondary wasn’t expected to be great, and an already suspect group suffered a huge loss when Brian Williams was knocked out for the year last week.
And yes, Brent Grimes was awarded the Charles Dimry Trophy posthumously Sunday, after he was largely responsible for Miles Austin looking like Crazy Legs Hirsch (six catches, 171 yards, two touchdowns). A pile of ashes sat in front of Grimes’ locker after the game.
But Turner was supposed to be a constant. Nothing against Jason Snelling. But when he’s leaving Turner in the dust (seven for 68, including a 31-yarder) on this team, there’s a problem.
Turner carried 376 times last season. The obvious question: Did that take something out of him?
“Physically, I feel the same,” he said. “I’m still healthy. It’s not about 300 and some carries last year.”
Here’s the problem: Turner seems to not be accepting much (or any) responsibility for what’s going on. You don’t hear comments like, “I have to be better.”
When asked what he believed the problem was — be it a lack of holes up front, him not being able to get into a rhythm or something else — he said: “I don’t know. It seems like there’s always guys we can’t get to, we can’t block.”
The offense opened the game with a 16-play, 80-yard, eight-minute touchdown drive. But that turned out to be an aberration. In their next five possessions, the Falcons committed two turnovers (a Ryan interception and fumble) and had three three-and-outs.
You know it’s bad when even Keith Brooking is trash-talking. The ex-Falcon taunted his teammates with his words and, at one point even broke into a bird-like arm flap.
He apologized later for the trash-talking. But the arm flap?
“I ain’t apologizing to anybody,” he said.
The bitterness about being let go following last season finally flowed. Good timing. The Falcons made it easy on an opponent. Too much caught up with them.
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501 comments Add your comment
Samuel
October 25th, 2009
11:28 pm
Matt Ryan didn’t have a good game,the offense other than their first drive in which they scored seemed out of sync. We just don’t have the corners to play man to man and our cornerbacks aren’t tall and most of these receiver their up against are over six feet tall.There were plays where we almost got to Romo and missed him and he made the big play down field. We need Jerius Norwood’s speed bad, but he can’t seem to stay on the field. Will Coach Smith activate Antone Smith? To help with the running game. If we don’t fix some problems fast, It’s going to be a long night in the Big Easy. The Saints are very good -we got to bring our A Game if wer’e going to have a chance.Go Falcons….
RDNYB
October 25th, 2009
11:29 pm
Brooking is an A hole. Pure and simple he was doing the same thing Jeff George did with the bird flap. Totally Classless. I ripped his Poster off my son’s room after the game. That being said Grimes has no business starting. He is too short as are all of the secondary players. Dmitroff need’s to be on the phones trying to acquire secondary help or pick up someone whose at home because that is our biggest weakness. And how many weeks does it take to learn a defense Tye Hill? Try calling the Redskins and get D. Hall back. Or Ty Law. Or for that matter Charles Dimry. BTW..Im a Vick fan, but Matt Ryan is doing a sensational job. With that im out.
MV777777
October 25th, 2009
11:31 pm
AUTHUR BLANK!!!
BAD MISTAKE
SHOULD HAVE KEPT D.DJ SHOCKELY!!!!!!!!!!!!
AND MICHAEL VICK!!!
DAM!!!
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
October 25th, 2009
11:33 pm
I have being hearing this chump being compared to Peyton Manning, and for the 2nd week in a row, his QB RATING has been in the 60s
68 vs Chicago
66 vs Dallas
How on Earth do you pass that low and be compared to one of the greatest passers in NFL history. You people ragged on Vick for his 74 QB RATING but that is a lot higher than what this chump has put up against 2 mediocre teams.
Now they are trying to put it all on Turner and all of last year, the credit was given to ole NOODLE ARM, but when he stinks up the place, it’s always Turner, White, the defense, offensive line or the damn cheer leaders, but not once has this double A quarterback has been blamed for anything and everybody with a lick of sense knows why.
He is the BUST that I knew he was when he got drafted and he is being exposed and it will get even worse for the next 4 weeks.
Falcons Hero Zero
October 25th, 2009
11:34 pm
People wanted blitzing from the LBs, CBs, and Safeties, but the Falcons do not have that kind of personnel there.
You need a good set of cover CBs. A D-Line with size that can stop the run alone (even though they may not be great pass-rushers)
You need fast LBs with range as blitzers..
Former Falcons LBs like Boley were good for that.. These LBs must support a light D-Line that is supposed to get to The QB for them to “clean-up the mess”. These are some large LBs..
Zone-blitzing and over-rotating…? Eh.. No.
This D-line needs to bring more pressure.
Vick Supporter
October 25th, 2009
11:38 pm
They put the game on Ryan’s shoulders and he couldn’t get it done. End of story. He simply can’t function without a running game, which isn’t unusual. That’s where Vick is a difference maker….a couple broken plays that can be converted to 1st downs….Ryan can’t do that, and doesn’t have the arm to stretch the field. yeah….Ryan will be accurate, but the will be short, timing type passes. Enjoy Trent Edwards 2.0
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
October 25th, 2009
11:42 pm
THE TOUR OF EX-FALCONS VENGENCE CONTINUES………..
Brooking (Cowboys)…………….DONE
Boley (Giants)…………..COMING
Vick (Eagles)………………COMING
D-Hall (Redskins)…………..COMING
Just like with Deion, if you want to win a Lombardi Trophy, you have to leave the Falcons and Brooking, Boley, D Hall or Vick’s odds just increased by being cut from this LOSER City.
CAN U SAY OVER-RATED
October 25th, 2009
11:42 pm
WILL THE REAL MATT RYAN STAND UP! OPPS, I THINK HE JUST DID….. The truth will eventually prevail, DJ Shockley was the better QB, but never got a fair shot……Thomas Dimitroff, you will eventually be on the clock….preciate the remodeling job u did, but this isn’t New England. Ya’ll know what I’m talking bout, good supporting cast, solid QB. but a bit overrated……
Vick Supporter
October 25th, 2009
11:43 pm
I have to admit, Matt “CHOKE” Ryan, Ryan’s arm looked “tired”. once they started laying that wood on him, he had the “deer in headlights” look. I won’t call Ryan a bust, but he’s not a great as they say he is or the Falcon “fans” have hyped him up to be.
Also, of course its not Ryan’s fault they Falcons got their asses whooped….. let’s blame last year’s team MVP M.Turner!!!! LOL. Same ol’ Falcon fans, LMAO
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
October 25th, 2009
11:43 pm
BACK-TO-BACK 60 “QB RATING”………..
Enough said……………
BUST
Vick Supporter
October 25th, 2009
11:45 pm
@Matt “CHOKE” Ryan
You crack me up man,lmao
Vick Supporter
October 25th, 2009
11:47 pm
The Saints are going to mop the floor with these clowns,lol
Dec 6th……”The Day Of Rekoning”
Atlanta Peach
October 25th, 2009
11:48 pm
Matt Choke Ryan, are you African American ?! It sure sounds like it ! Are you angry Micheal Vick is no longer in this city ?! Talk to me quick ! Let me know !
Falcons Hero Zero
October 25th, 2009
11:49 pm
Love Vick for the excitement..
Can’t use Manning in an argument of Vick vs. Ryan.. It just doesn’t make sense.
Vick was beginning to be hit..often.. The Giants and Browns in 2006. That is where his passing was supposed to improve.. The Falcons O-Line and WRs did not help, but he admitted that he was not studying and preparing.
Vick Supporter
October 25th, 2009
11:49 pm
@Jeff Schultz
Cmon man….you lay all of the blame at Turner’s feet?
Last year you were speaking of him like he was the 2nd coming, yet Ryan gets a pass. I thought you were better than that…..
You’re still my favorite writer though…
Matt "Choke" Ryan
October 25th, 2009
11:50 pm
Atlanta Peach
Whether I am pink, blue, purple or orange, won’t change the results of today’s football game.
I’m American baby
Vick Supporter
October 25th, 2009
11:51 pm
“Vick was beginning to be hit..often.. The Giants and Browns in 2006. That is where his passing was supposed to improve.. The Falcons O-Line and WRs did not help, but he admitted that he was not studying and preparing.”
And he is still the best player we ever had,lol
Barry Jay
October 25th, 2009
11:52 pm
Actually, for those blaming Ryan…it’s kinda hard to pass when your O Line is not protecting you. Dallas did a good job in coverage too. They played their best game of the season. Our big problem on offense was the O Line and Turner. Turner has definitely slowed. I think he needs to lose a few pounds to get a little quickness back.
I have long been a Brooking fan. I think he brought something positive to the team. But I too was angered at what he did today. He makes two tackles and acts like a jerk. His play today reminded me of his last couple of years with Atlanta. Brooking has never acted that way on the sideline…and we Atlanta fans should know…he was here ten years. Brooking lost a fan today.
Vick Supporter
October 25th, 2009
11:52 pm
Atlanta Peach
Take off your Matt Ryan sunglasses. he deserved to be blamed too…. Let’s be real here
Matt "Choke" Ryan
October 25th, 2009
11:52 pm
Just so you people know, in Mike Vick’s 2nd season they won their 1st playoff game.
Well this is Matt Ryan’s 2nd season – can’t use the rookie excuse anymore.
Let’s see if he can match Mike Vick’s 2nd season.
CAN U SAY OVER-RATED
October 25th, 2009
11:54 pm
VICK SUPPORTER – I don’t normally blog, but I I feel you 110%, been feeling you…..& Good Luck DJ……& B4 ya’ll start – I’ve been w/ the Falcons since Bubba Bean, Haskel Stanback, Bartkowski, Pridemore, Curry & Kuykendall so I’ve been a fan (Bring back Dewey Mcclain) I dont play no games, but I know that DJ Shockley was not given a fair shot& ws the better QB…..Get Rid of Dimitroff
PMC
October 25th, 2009
11:54 pm
It’s just one game, one loss. Even if they lost this one and on the road in NO next week it’s still not a big deal. This is a good team and likely a playoff team with a lot of serious and obvious flaws. One of those flaws is not the pile jumper who still has yet to make an impact play in his entire career. He can talk smack all day they won the game but this team is better off without Keith Brooking. The guy made roughly what 60 million dollars playing here… wow. 5 pro bowls. That’s exceptional. Ok Falcons Fans you watched this guy for more than a decade… pull out 10 exceptional plays where he changed a game and or a season…. Go!
Yeah. It was pretty tough for me too.
This is one game. Tough loss, but this is a game dallas HAD to win and the talent on our defense is still quite lacking especially in the secondary. You can’t get too down about this one except it does tell us that definitively they don’t think I guess Tye Hill can play at all because Chris Houston is killing them in coverage and Brent Grimes is lucky to be on an NFL roster much less starting. This team has to be lead by the offense and the Dallas D line ripped our guys apart tonight. It happens. It’s the NFL. Time to regroup, focus and get ready for Monday night. Still no reason to doubt or put limitations on this team…
Would have been nice if Michael Jenkins could have made a catch or 3 that hit him in the hands today…too.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
October 25th, 2009
11:54 pm
My prediction for the Saints game:
Saints 55
Falcons 7
Vick Supporter
October 25th, 2009
11:55 pm
@Barry Jay
“Actually, for those blaming Ryan…it’s kinda hard to pass when your O Line is not protecting you”
What do you think happened when Vick was here?!? you people were PRAISING THE O-LINE just a couple of weeks ago,lol.
Just like when Vick was here, the blame is placed at the QB when he played here….why should it change now? They put the game on Ryan’s shoulders and he FAILED MISERABLY. The dude couldn’t throw over 10 yds
Atlanta Peach
October 25th, 2009
11:56 pm
Oh yeah ! I know number 2 messed it up today ! But, Micheal Vick did it to hiself ! He must have been the stupidest negro that ever lived !! No fault but his own !!
Matt "Choke" Ryan
October 25th, 2009
11:57 pm
Atlanta Peach
That was a lame attempt – anybody with a lick of sense knows you are as closed to being black as Condeleesa Rice
Vick Supporter
October 25th, 2009
11:58 pm
Dec 6th……………..
PMC
October 26th, 2009
12:00 am
For the record, it looked like when he got decent blocking Turner ran fine. They weren’t keying on Snelling. Dallas has a ridiculously talented team… the best money can buy save some of that crap they trot out at linebacker…. but you can get away with old and slow when you have athletes on the line and in the secondary. Two weeks off and at home…. is a huge advantage…. though I wonder why smitty chose to go conservative again with 8 minutes left in the game and punt to a defense that couldn’t stop anything this week and why Mularky would not choose to go no huddle more often this week when it works so well everytime they use it.
It’s time to see if Tye Hill and Chris Owens have some ball skills. I have no idea if they can tackle but Houston and Grimes are getting absolutely abused. Some changes have to be made.
Vanilla Peach
October 26th, 2009
12:01 am
After Matt Ryan’s performance this season, I am embarrassed to be a white woman. It’s hard enough that we suck at sports and he get’s 72-million dollar contract and he stinks up the place.
He has got to be the most stupid whitey I have ever seen.
Atlanta Peach
October 26th, 2009
12:01 am
You want to make it a race game with me ?!!
CAN U SAY OVER-RATED
October 26th, 2009
12:02 am
@ Atlanta Peach (11:48) – I’m African-American, what’s your point, the fact is the kid is overrated, he’s solid but overrated it is what it is…The bes QB sqrewed himself by fighting dawgs (his fault) & the better QB for this team was put on the practice squad to make room for JOHN PARKER WILSON (r u serious) & then cut because he could actually be a threat to these new Falcon UTOPIA……GOODLUCK W/ MEDIOCRITY
Scott
October 26th, 2009
12:02 am
For God’s sake would the AJC actually pay some 14 year old kid to moderate these blogs? It’s the SAME freaking idiots every time with some ill thought out agenda that basically make it unreadable within 30 minutes…ie…Vick Supporter, Matt “Choke” Ryan, and whatever aliases these idiots use. Hate to tell ya, Mike Vick isn’t coming back…so grow up and move on.
Flappin' Falcon
October 26th, 2009
12:02 am
The Cowboys had 2 weeks to prepare for a home game along with Brooking’s knowledge of our offense…Dallas better win. This Bye-Week BS is only half way over, folks. We get Washington and the Giants on 2 weeks rest too. Thank goodness our schedule gets easy after the Saints game. Brooking can kiss my Balzac.
roger
October 26th, 2009
12:03 am
and you don’t think Michael Vick is overrated just because he has moves??? what did vick do for us??? absolutely nothing except embarrassing the city of Atlanta.He had his chance here!
Atlanta Peach
October 26th, 2009
12:04 am
Didn’t I say Matt Ryan is overrated ?! Yes I did !! Go back and read my posts !!
Matt "Choke" Ryan
October 26th, 2009
12:04 am
SCOTT
BOO HOO HOO………Suck it up girl and take off those pink panties
Vick Supporter
October 26th, 2009
12:05 am
@Scott
Is it not a free country? lol
Scott
October 26th, 2009
12:05 am
Matt “Choke” Ryan. Suck it up and realize that Mike Vick paved his own way out of town and that he’s NOT coming back…no matter how much you whine and act like a baby about it.
roger
October 26th, 2009
12:06 am
and Brooking was absolutely Classless today, I am sure GT is happy for his two tackle performance and all his dancing around
Matt "Choke" Ryan
October 26th, 2009
12:07 am
roger
October 26th, 2009
12:03 am
and you don’t think Michael Vick is overrated just because he has moves??? what did vick do for us??? absolutely nothing except embarrassing the city of Atlanta.He had his chance here!
“Since you asked”
3 Pro Bowls
1 2nd place finish in MVP voting
2 Playoff wins
1 Conference final
1st qb in NFL history to beat Green Bay on road in playoffs
Want more?
Ryan has a “choke” in the playoffs and 1 and done
dog killa
October 26th, 2009
12:07 am
my fellow brothers, what song you tink we goan be playin when we come down to whip your ass in december, “who let da dogs out”
Just-Sayin
October 26th, 2009
12:08 am
J.Schultz you are WRONG (this time)…it dose not start with Turner, it starts with the quarterback Mr. Matty Ice!!! I understand that Turner isn’t having the stellar year that he did last year but ‘who does?’….I’m tired of everyone kissing Ryans’ behind when they win and blaming someone else when they lose…the fact is Matt Ryan has made too many turnovers every game they have lost (or have barely won) Matt always throws interceptions. It starts with Matt Ryan. My compliments to our defense good job (considering what you have to work with) but it must be addressed in the draft
StingerSplash
October 26th, 2009
12:08 am
I thought Tony Gonzalez was supposed to help this offense.
Matt "Choke" Ryan
October 26th, 2009
12:08 am
Can we keep the comments about the “CURRENT” qb?
He sucks that’s why
Vick Supporter
October 26th, 2009
12:08 am
dog killa, lol.
your comment was funny
Atlanta Peach
October 26th, 2009
12:08 am
And Matt choker Ryan, you are as close of being a racist as your 43rd president !!
Scott
October 26th, 2009
12:09 am
Why don’t all the Vick fans go blog on the Philly papers? Oh wait, because noone on there gives a crap about their 3rd string QB..lol. And Vick Supporter, it IS a free country obviously since you’re free to make yourself look like an idiot every time you post.
roger
October 26th, 2009
12:09 am
I still don’t see Super Bowl Champion!
CHRIS HOUSTON
October 26th, 2009
12:09 am
WHY IS BODY PICK’EN ON ME? IM TIRED OF GETTING BEAT EVERY GAME!!!
Falcons Hero Zero
October 26th, 2009
12:09 am
I just saw what Brooking…wow..lololol.
He turned into The Rock on the sidelines, but good for him. According to the latest AJC.com interview after the game, he felt that The Falcons staff insulted him. I doubt that his former Falcon teammates did the same though.. It’s good.. This should motivate The Falcons.
Looks like he may be in trouble with the locals though..
His number will still be retired here….? lol. Probably.