Roddy White’s day shows Falcons the possibilities
This one-handed grab was one of Roddy White's 11 catches, two for TDs. (Curtis Compton/AJC)
Nothing like a little drama, right? The Falcons turned a 24-3 lead into a 25-24 deficit and suddenly nobody at the Georgia Dome knew whether they were a Super Bowl contender or a genetic mutation from the Marion Campbell era, returning for a haunting.
But they won, and it’s important to remember how they won. They were aggressive. They attacked. They didn’t run an offense like you would throw a dart. They ran an offense like you would fire a bazooka.
Remember this game. Because if the Falcons go on to make something special of this season, it will be partly because of the lessons learned in Sunday’s frenetic 39-32 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals.
Matt Ryan threw for 299 yards and three touchdowns. He even passed on third and short. Roddy White had the kind of game Jerry Rice used to have: 11 catches covering 201 yards, two touchdowns and a two-point conversion — those last eight points giving the Falcons the lead back immediately following a third-quarter, 22-point meltdown. He couldn’t be stopped.
“We’ve been doing some good things with the offense but today we took a lot of shots down field,” White said. “We were more aggressive with the play-calling and it paid off.”
Behold, the offense.
Falcons coach Mike Smith is old school. He’s all about physical play on defense and running the ball on offense. That’s fine to a point. The problem here is that the Falcons have weapons that at times haven’t been fully utilized.
It also has seemed that Ryan has been kept under wraps more in season three than he was in season one. Whether that has been the decision of Smith or offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey, or just perception, can’t be certain. But there’s little question what we saw Sunday is not what we’ve been seeing lately. In the last three weeks, there were unimpressive victories over San Francisco and Cleveland and an ugly loss at Philadelphia.
Criticism of the offensive philosophy and play-calling grew as loud as it ever had been since the latest regime took over. And, yes, some of it was internal.
When asked jokingly if players had been standing outside coaches’ offices carrying torches, wide receiver Brian Finneran smiled and responded: “No, but I’m sure they heard the rumblings.”
The Falcons didn’t need a completely new offensive identity. They just needed to improve the old one. There’s no reason to be an eight-track offense in a digital world.
How much better does the running game get if a defense knows Ryan is willing to come out firing?
Appropriately, White was the centerpiece Sunday. He should be the centerpiece every week. As Smith conceded: “He’s probably been our best player through the first seven games. I don’t think there’s any doubt about that.”
The Falcons believe White is an elite receiver. It’s why they gave him a six-year, $48 million contract last year. When there are that many zeroes on a contract, you should expect performances like this.
On the third play from scrimmage, White burned the Bengals for 46 yards on a crossing route. Two plays later, on second and 12, he caught a high bullet from Ryan for 18 yards at the Bengals’ 14, setting up the game’s first touchdown.
White opened the second quarter with his best catch of the day. Going against Adam “Pacman” Jones in single coverage down the right sideline, he made a one-handed grab of a Ryan throw for a 23-yard gain at the Cincinnati 33. Later in the quarter, on third and one from the Bengals’ 43, White again beat Jones in single coverage for a touchdown.
“That was a huddle call [by Ryan],” White said. “We haven’t thrown the ball out of that formation all year. That was our shot.”
White played a role in the blown lead. With the Falcons ahead 24-19, he made a catch but was stripped by Jones, who returned it 59 yards for a score. But Ryan drove the Falcons right back, finishing an eight-play touchdown drive with an 11-yard pass to White. Moments later, White leaped through the ozone for a two-point conversion.
“Hopefully,” center Todd McClure said, “this is a formula for success that we can use every week.”
Now there’s a concept.
♦
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244 comments Add your comment
Spete bird dawg
October 24th, 2010
9:17 pm
wallace francis was not to bad
Junior Miller
October 24th, 2010
9:18 pm
Can’t forget about Super Gnat.
Jeff Schultz
October 24th, 2010
9:18 pm
Stendek — Please, let’s not confuse “censorship” with crude sexual innuendo, profanity and race-baiting. And if somebody wants to debate who’s better, Michael Vick or Matt Ryan, I have no problem with that. But if that debate is elevated to a race debate, I see nothing good coming of that and I certainly don’t want it on my blogs. Now, if you want to call me a censor, that’s fine. But don’t go all First Amendment on me because the First Amendment is my business. I’m not saying you should be arrested for stirring up a race debate (that’s the First Amendment issue). But I am saying you can’t do it on my blog (that’s my standards and my rules).
Jeff Schultz
October 24th, 2010
9:19 pm
POAD — Hall has great athletic skills. It’s his head that’s the problem.
falconfan 2986
October 24th, 2010
9:20 pm
Wallace Francis and Alfred” Big Play ”Jackson were also outstanding Falcon recievers.Junior Miller was our best tight end prior to Gonzales.
JSS
October 24th, 2010
9:21 pm
Didn’t really need run great routes, just needed to make the right read in the Run-n-Shoot outside spot… Slots (Rison and Pritchard) were the ones who need to run good routes…
Alfred Jenkins made Francis a good receiver. Everyone had to double cover him and Junior Miller.
falconfan / Sec 111
October 24th, 2010
9:22 pm
Thanks Chad for firing up Roddy White!
Dwayne
October 24th, 2010
9:22 pm
Matt Ryan is 16-1 as a starter in the Dome. I think it’s his house now. Along with John, Roddy, Turner and Coach Smith and don’t forget T. Dimitrof. This is a good team, good teams get the breaks and win Championships. Were the Aints great last year? No, they were a good team that got ALL the breaks and some iffy calls. Go Falcons
Falcon in Memphis
October 24th, 2010
9:23 pm
Fellow bloggers you you guys are pretty knowledgeable so help me out with one thing. Why don’t we use Harry Douglas and his speed in the slot receiver role more often. Or just receiver period. Other teams slot receivers really do damage to teams. Why not utelize him and his talents more. He has great speed and it will give other teams and other D. Cordinators just one more weapon to have to account for and plan for. Don’t you all agree. Let’s unleash our full arsenal. Hold nothing back!!!! What yall think fellow falcons??
Jeff Schultz
October 24th, 2010
9:23 pm
Falconfan 24-7 — Thanks for the comments. Honestly, I’m not a big Michael Jenkins fan. He could be so much better if he would do just one thing: come back and fight for the ball. (Also not drop it.)
JSS
October 24th, 2010
9:24 pm
Alfred Jackson was a 4th receiver who made one good play, Big Ben Right! Again, Jim Mitchell is so underrated that it is sad! Better route runner and blocker.
TrishaDishaWarEagle
October 24th, 2010
9:24 pm
You can thank Bobby and Paul Petrino for Roddy’s evolution! HE DOES!
Junior Miller
October 24th, 2010
9:25 pm
Haynes did make the “Big Ben II” catch against the Ain’ts. I think Jenkiins make the original.
Jeff Schultz
October 24th, 2010
9:25 pm
Falcon in Memphis — Harry Douglas can be a great weapon but I don’t think he’s all the way from his injury.
TrishaDishaWarEagle
October 24th, 2010
9:26 pm
And before anyone says its not true…don’t pretend like you didn’t read the numerous espn articles on Roddy in which he clearly states it was Bobby and Paul Petrino that changed him around!
JSS
October 24th, 2010
9:26 pm
Harry Douglass can’t get the jam at the line. You really have to scheme to get Harry into space…
Ueeediot
October 24th, 2010
9:27 pm
Jeff, any idea why Roddy had a ball pulled from play today?
Bird Droppings II
October 24th, 2010
9:27 pm
There were a ton of Bengals fans today funking up the Dome. Why in the heck do some of our fair- feathered fans sell their tickets to our opponent.Our fans are the twelfth man.Idiots, you are aiding the enemy.Stop it, already! Go Killer-Birds.
Dwayne
October 24th, 2010
9:27 pm
Stendek, my Thrasher blogging friend,how are you, I see the flaws the Falcons have just like you. Being a good TEAM means helping each other out to cover those flaws so the TEAM can get a win. Hope the Thrashers get that mentality soon. I sure am glad Matt Ryan is not from Finland. Peace Stendek.
Junior Miller
October 24th, 2010
9:28 pm
Ok, Jackson. Thats right.
JSS
October 24th, 2010
9:29 pm
Paul Petrino yes, Bobby Petrino no… George Stewart stayed in Roddy’s ear when was deep in the Mora doghouse!!! Roddy would have been Peerless Price’d out of here if not for Stewart…
Bird Droppings II
October 24th, 2010
9:31 pm
@ Trish,
He gave credit to Paul not Bobby. Bengals Defensive coach (Zimmer) said it best ” Bobby Petrino is a coward.”
Brian Hunt
October 24th, 2010
9:32 pm
Roddy White is easily our best player right now. It’s great to see players that step up when they get the big contract, instead of pulling a Albert Haynesworth.
JSS
October 24th, 2010
9:32 pm
If I’m going to get sentimental about any Falcons WR, it is Billy Ryckman…
Mr Charlie
October 24th, 2010
9:33 pm
There is not a “flawed” team in the NFL right now. Dan Reeves said it best, you are never as bad, or as good, as you think you are. If you are waiting for a moment to say, “wow, this team is going to win the superbowl” that moment will not come before the end of January.
Mr Charlie
October 24th, 2010
9:35 pm
JSS, I have a tear in my eye.
Mr Charlie
October 24th, 2010
9:36 pm
Best team in the NFL is Steelers, but they needed a hadscratching call by officials today to win. So, even they are no “elite”.
Hillbilly Deluxe
October 24th, 2010
9:36 pm
On Dean’s comment @ 8:01
I’m not one to wager anyway, but I don’t understand people betting on any ball game. It makes no sense to me to bet on something that you have zero chance, of influencing the outcome.
If I was going to bet, I’d bet on something where I might could help myself win.
JSS
October 24th, 2010
9:37 pm
If Michael Jenkins had 1/10th the heart of Ryckman or Pritchard, he’d be on his way to Canton…
falconfan 24-7
October 24th, 2010
9:41 pm
During Roddy rookie year he was knocked out of the game while crossing the middle by a Tampa Bay DB. He was nothing but skin and bones then, and could n’t take a hit. I believe that play initally effected his confidence.
However, look at him know. He got in the gym , pumped iron and got buff. Now he can take a hit, and no longer timid about crossing the middle of the field.The rest is history.
If only Norwood would get in the gym.
Mr Charlie
October 24th, 2010
9:42 pm
I also got a ton of respect for Zimmer.
JSS
October 24th, 2010
9:44 pm
Norwood is ripped, Falcons misuse him. he should not be wasted inside… His lower legs are genetically small… So were OJ and Sayers…
falconfan 24-7
October 24th, 2010
9:45 pm
@ Mr. Charlie
The Steelers are not the best team in the NFL. We wont know that until February 2011 when the Super Bowl Champs are crowned. Hopefully, its the Falcons not the Dirty Playing Steelers.
Mr Charlie
October 24th, 2010
9:46 pm
Loved the way Zim called out Petrino. The man has guts, and he knows when somebody is a coward.
JSS
October 24th, 2010
9:46 pm
@ Junior Miller… “The Super Gnat” Reggie Smith was fun to watch running back kicks…
Mr Charlie
October 24th, 2010
9:48 pm
Falconfan 24-7. My point exactly, there is no “elite” team this year, or any year for that matter.
falconfan 3411
October 24th, 2010
9:48 pm
Norwood is injury prone. His legs are like spaghetti. Expect him to be released by the team prior to the 2012 training camp.
geno
October 24th, 2010
9:49 pm
amazing the kind of offense you can have when you DONT throw to the TE…..exactly what happened today….exactly what is required to win a superbowl…..hers the list….torry holt, jerry rice, marvin harrison, hines ward, michael irvin, santonio holmes, lynn swan, plaxico buress, marcus colston, and remember T.O. and randy moss also played in superbowls……
falconfan 24-7
October 24th, 2010
9:49 pm
A Falcon can fly with a broken wing. Ask the Bengals.
Spete bird dawg
October 24th, 2010
9:50 pm
Rod did a good JOB,the secondary is my confusing perplexing question,other teams will study tape and set the birds up for the quick burn (score early) they can score,but gathering theirselves up to get back into the game (philly) is a concern.is this what they have to do the rest of the year? strike early,cling to the lead? cincy has good recievers granted, I’m the glad birds are their winning,I guess we’ll see how this all plays out,but a little more D would help,what did someone once say about championships and what a good defense could do? love the win—-sorry for the questions
Mr Charlie
October 24th, 2010
9:50 pm
3411, agreed. Norwood is gone. He is injury prone, and running inside is not going to fix that.
Mr Charlie
October 24th, 2010
9:54 pm
Missed several players in the secondary today. Again, it is not about winning and dominating, it is about winning ugly. See Ravens, Steelers, and New England today. My guess is they all make the playoffs, and the superbowl champ lies among them too.
TrishaDishaWarEagle
October 24th, 2010
9:56 pm
Roddy also credits Bobby:
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ms-thegameface120508
drmondo
October 24th, 2010
9:56 pm
What happened to DeCoud? I missed the play.
JSS
October 24th, 2010
9:58 pm
The Falcon have got to stop making life difficult for them self…
Spete bird dawg
October 24th, 2010
9:58 pm
are winning minus their—retard style
JSS
October 24th, 2010
10:00 pm
The All-Pro in waiting as anointed by Ledbetter got knocked two way left of Wednesday on a tackle!
Ueeediot
October 24th, 2010
10:01 pm
Trisha, he says Petrino gave him a second chance. (Like a first year coach would have an opinion)
Then he says he roots against Petrino every chance he gets.
What in this article made you think he gave Petrino any credit?
Mr Charlie
October 24th, 2010
10:02 pm
JSS, it is difficult to win in the NFL. Look at all of todays games. Very few were easy Ws.
What has changed is we were always saying “what if” when we lost games. Now that we are winning, old habits just seem to die hard. Just accept and be grateful for the W and move on.
How you win in October and Novermber really have no bearing for what happens in December and January. All that matters that you DO win.
JSS
October 24th, 2010
10:02 pm
Trisha, go read Ledbetter’s article where White is talking about his growth into a All-Pro receiver…