Falcons LIVE: It doesn’t count but it’s still Ryan vs. Brady
The Falcons' Matt Ryan chats with one Hall of Famer (Troy Aikman) and tonight faces a future one (Tom Brady).
Welcome back to almost-football season and tonight’s exhibition (the NFL hates when writers use that word) between the the Falcons and New England Patriots.
This probably isn’t as big a game for the Patriots as it is for the Falcons. New England sports fans certainly are more preoccupied with today’s story that former Red Sox pitcher-turned-hated Yankee Roger Clemens has been indicted for perjury by a federal grand jury. (As, it turns out, he may have lied about using steroids and HGH. Go figure. And now, this editorial comment: hahahahaha.)
Back to tonight. If you didn’t make it out to Flowery Branch this week for the Falcons-Patriots practices, they were pretty cool. Having two teams practice against each other, even in controlled drills, definitely led to a raised intensity level.
Expect to see more of this in the future. With the NFL expected to trim the exhibition season from four games to two — in concert with lengthening the regular season — coaches will need another avenue to grade players. Even something as basic as a Falcons’ passing skeleton against the New England defense can tell coaches more than if they were just in team drills.
Similarly, tonight’s game may tell us a little more about what to expect from the Falcons when the real games start. True, exhibitions don’t count and game plans are vanilla, as teams are more concerned about evaluating personnel and getting out of a game healthy than they are scheming against a certain offense and defense. But starters played only a couple of series against the Chiefs and they’ll be in there longer tonight, likely well into the second quarter.
A few things to watch:
♦ How does the Falcons’ defense handle Tom Brady, Randy Moss and company? The secondary had a difficult time staying with Moss in practices Tuesday, though that hardly put them in exclusive company. It’s worth noting, however, that at least four projected regulars are not expected to play: cornerback Dunta Robinson (hamstring), defensive tackle Peria Jerry (knee), safety William Moore (groin) and cornerback Brian Williams.
♦ To what extent do the Falcons try to get wide receiver Harry Douglas involved tonight? Douglas, returning from a torn ACL last year, has looked sharp in practice this week and I imagine offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey would like to know how much he’ll be able to stretch opposing defenses this season.
♦ How sharp is Matt Ryan and the offense? The Falcons’ offense moved down the field twice with the starters on the first two series but came away with only one field goal. They stalled on the Chiefs’ 12 in the first series (leading to three points) and at the 35 on the second (missed field goal). Improved play in the red zone would be nice.
OK, that’s it for now. I’m going to grab some coffee and then we can get this thing started. I’ll post some scratches and lineup changes in the comments as soon as they become available.
Looking forward to tonight. Back to chat soon.
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
467 comments Add your comment
COACH FAIL SMITH
August 19th, 2010
9:54 pm
Great job Def. That rookie TE is a all pro
Jeff Schultz
August 19th, 2010
9:55 pm
Not sure how to judge defense — I mean, definitely poor tonight but several bodies out.
robdawg08
August 19th, 2010
9:56 pm
No defense…
COACH FAIL SMITH
August 19th, 2010
9:56 pm
Yeah were looking solid it only preseason
Daddy Rabbit
August 19th, 2010
9:56 pm
I guess that wasn’t a block in the back
Mr Charlie
August 19th, 2010
9:56 pm
Ok, the they are looking like a horrible, but it will be some good teaching moments.
ReddJonn68
August 19th, 2010
9:56 pm
I’m begging FOX right now !!! Do not let Joe Buck call anymore games for Falcons this season. Another TD !!!
Mr Charlie
August 19th, 2010
9:57 pm
The people on the field might not even be on the roster.
COACH FAIL SMITH
August 19th, 2010
9:57 pm
IT only 21-3, we can come back
robdawg08
August 19th, 2010
9:57 pm
How does Franks drop a pass in the gut ? That’s why he won’t be starting…
No offense either… 3 points ?
Ree Roe
August 19th, 2010
9:58 pm
Jeff,
I kno it’s a preseason game, but just based on the comments & the nationally televised game, I think the average Falcon fan looked at this being a statement game (if that makes sense) & to be shown up at home (now 21-3) is embarrassing, even if this game doesn’t officially count. I thought Matt was solid, but the defense still looks shaky.
Question for you: Do you still believe this is the 2nd best team in the NFC?
-REEveal it to Roe!!!
COACH FAIL SMITH
August 19th, 2010
9:58 pm
All we heard this season was how this team had depth.
JP
August 19th, 2010
9:59 pm
Jeff you are being gracious but correct No TD’s by our offensive starters….and the commentators said the franchise is set with a great QB….I hope it all a pre-season nightmare…
COACH FAIL SMITH
August 19th, 2010
9:59 pm
Yeah Dawg 85 your right were looking solid
drmondo
August 19th, 2010
9:59 pm
Coach Fail= Debbie Downer (if she couldn’t write in intelligible sentences).
sorry, dude.
Mr Charlie
August 19th, 2010
9:59 pm
They are definately laying a turd.
Mr Charlie
August 19th, 2010
10:00 pm
Lets see if our free agents can beat their free agents.
robdawg08
August 19th, 2010
10:00 pm
Linebackers real weak allowing all those rushing yards and 2 tds.
ReddJonn68
August 19th, 2010
10:00 pm
Starting offense still has not tasted the end zone & the Pats are not a defensive juggernaut !!! I’m just saying.
Jeff Schultz
August 19th, 2010
10:01 pm
Coach Fail Smith — I didn’t have a problem with Ryan’s throw away(s) tonight. The one I remember it was good coverage and he was about to get buried (and it’s preseason)
Daddy Rabbit
August 19th, 2010
10:01 pm
An elephant size turd
TM
August 19th, 2010
10:01 pm
One thing i noticed the defense doing in the first half: NOT WRAPPING UP!
a big hit means nothing if you don’t wrap your arms around him.
This defense will have a long year if they don’t start tackling better. That’s fo sho.
drmondo
August 19th, 2010
10:01 pm
Where’s all the guys from last week touting JPW as a better qb than Ryan?
Gman
August 19th, 2010
10:02 pm
Thought Ryan looked like Ryan. Pretty accurate. Tons of check-down stuff and when in doubt, throwing it out of bounds. He is OK but not exactly inspiring.
Jeff Schultz
August 19th, 2010
10:03 pm
DrMondo — I think — think — Jerry is going to be OK. Moore is the bigger concern, health-wise.
robdawg08
August 19th, 2010
10:03 pm
3 and punt…
Mr Charlie
August 19th, 2010
10:03 pm
Yea, I would have like to see Ryan stand in the pocket a little longer, and maybe take a hit and get hurt, so he can score a meaningless TD in a meaningless game.
Gary O.
August 19th, 2010
10:03 pm
Jeff,
Didnt we have the same problem last year? Settling for FG, because we couldnt score TDs.
I hope we get it ironed out for the season
ReddJonn68
August 19th, 2010
10:04 pm
Well Jeff I agree about the throwaway, but we still have gooten 6 via air or ground by our starters !!!
Gman
August 19th, 2010
10:04 pm
Re the defense; there will be injuries. Some of these guys are going to have to play and they have not shown that they can…at all.
JP
August 19th, 2010
10:04 pm
Ree Ro…..Matt Ryan solid – with no TD’s,…you can’t be serious…(not even a pass into the enzone)….The offense and offensive play calling was average at best….maybe poor due to no TD’s
Eric
August 19th, 2010
10:05 pm
Why do people get so wrapped up in the preseason? These games mean NOTHING. How many times have you seen a team absolutely look awful in the preseason then go on to win 10+ games? I see it every year. Relax guys, MR looked good and the defense is playing with a few missing bodies. And this IS the Pats after all….
drmondo
August 19th, 2010
10:05 pm
I like Franks so far and Beirmann has played well. Spoon looks like a rookie and Peterson looks like he’s getting old.
nunna yo biznezz
August 19th, 2010
10:05 pm
wats up falcon floppers!!???
put your tele’s on fox 5 tomorrow night @8pm, and watch a real quarterback/game changer in #7!!
Once "Recent" Reader
August 19th, 2010
10:05 pm
Hey JP . . .this is a late reply as I took off at halftime and just returned. Hey, I know many folks didn’t like Ryan pick and still have concerns with his arm and play . .. . .something that will be up to him to dispell. I don’t know how it will pan out, but I think he’s done a good job if not great so far. If the expectations of some weren’t so high (and I understand for a #3 pick) I’d might even say he’s done a very good job. I do know Ryan very well. I’m a BC guy. I saw just about every game he played there and must admit my bias. But I’m also practical and try to be a fair judge . .even with the bias. I just remember the guy being a smart, tough, excellent QB, and most of all a winner with some pretty mediocre Offensive players around him. That weak arm many talk about was not the arm I recall. Hey, so he’s no rocket arm like Marino, Elway, Manning . . ..even the hard throwing Flacco. I still think it takes more than a great arm . . .ask Ryan Leaf . . .and I believe Ryan has those other things – along with a pretty good arm!! But again, I’ll respect your judgement if not in agreement. I hope this is a good year for him. Great year!!
Jeff Schultz
August 19th, 2010
10:05 pm
Ree Roo — 2nd best team? Um, well. Seriously, that was if Favre wasn’t back. Now that he is, I have to put Vikings back up there (1 or 2 with Vikings). But I agree that this is a poor showing.
robdawg08
August 19th, 2010
10:05 pm
That was pathetic defense. 4 guys let him get a 1st down.
ReddJonn68
August 19th, 2010
10:06 pm
Why does everyone want to anoint Moore the starter at safety when he can’t even stay healthy, if any of you have been of the few good tackles made this preseason Coleman has made most of them !!!
nunna yo biznezz
August 19th, 2010
10:06 pm
i got to say one thing tho,trey lewis looks like a beast!!
And don’t forget,we have Bobby Petrino to thank for that..
Thank you Bobby
Jeff Schultz
August 19th, 2010
10:07 pm
Mr. Charlie — My sarcasm detector picked up on that.
drmondo
August 19th, 2010
10:07 pm
Thanks Jeff. Do you think Moore’s health will influence whether they keep Schillinger?
Kerryb
August 19th, 2010
10:07 pm
Who is #38? That was flat sorry. If you can’t make an open field takle as a corner in the NFL you need to find another job. cut that guy tomorrow.
TM
August 19th, 2010
10:08 pm
Very Poor Tackling!
Very poor performance overall.
Maybe next week they might want to tighten things up a bit.
Gman
August 19th, 2010
10:08 pm
Mr. Charlie:
Understand your point but Brady looked pretty good and didn’t get injured.
robdawg08
August 19th, 2010
10:09 pm
A lot of players playing themselves OFF the team on defense, you would think…
drmondo
August 19th, 2010
10:09 pm
#38? Since he’s not listed on the roster on nfl site, the ball boy?
Mr Charlie
August 19th, 2010
10:10 pm
Gman, Brady got hit, Ryan did not.
Kerryb
August 19th, 2010
10:10 pm
The name on his jersey was Derrick
ReddJonn68
August 19th, 2010
10:10 pm
Well I’m guessing more injuries on D caus after this showing Smith is gonna get his moneys worth out of the next couple of pratices !!!
robert
August 19th, 2010
10:10 pm
The defense is getting torched on the ground. Wats up with all the missed tackles. We really need Daunta, Peria, Moore, and B- Will on that field.