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
Falcon Jim
October 24th, 2010
10:58 pm
I wish I could just be Cosmo Kramer. No cares or worries. Just a crazy like a kid adventure every moment.
He must have an endowment or something.
Coach Smith on Roddy
October 24th, 2010
10:59 pm
“He came into the season in the best shape he’s ever been in. He’s working hard and you’re seeing the results of that hard work during the offseason out there on the field.’’
JSS
October 24th, 2010
11:00 pm
Kramer huh… No comment!
5150 P.O.A.D.
October 24th, 2010
11:01 pm
Farve Picked off.
Falcon Jim
Kramer had to have a medical co paying him for the Drugs, drop on the head, or whatever that made him that way. HAHAHAH
Falcon Jim
October 24th, 2010
11:02 pm
By the way, Jeff… if anyone at Cheers is Cliff… that’d be me.
The annoying guy spouting trivial trivia.
…………..I love “trivial trivia”…………………..
That’s classic.
Jeff Schultz
October 24th, 2010
11:02 pm
Hah! Every time Brett Favre throws another interception, an angel gets his wings.
5150 P.O.A.D.
October 24th, 2010
11:04 pm
Damn Jeff Favre has a Army Of Angles then. Why didn’t the Intercept his dirty TXT and Pictures to that woman?
JSS
October 24th, 2010
11:06 pm
I’m calling Frank Capra!
5150 P.O.A.D.
October 24th, 2010
11:07 pm
Rogers has had some way way way off reads of his recievers tonight. Favre may throw picks, but damn they are near his receivers. The Vikes get a shot to drive for the winning TD.
JSS
October 24th, 2010
11:10 pm
What bank are we setting up that fund for POAD’s Cinemax subscription at?
5150 P.O.A.D.
October 24th, 2010
11:10 pm
JSS
Frank ain’t answering. Would you like to place another call?
JSS
October 24th, 2010
11:12 pm
Clay Matthews is just a player!
5150 P.O.A.D.
October 24th, 2010
11:12 pm
4th and inches for Favre
Clark Dale
October 24th, 2010
11:13 pm
Real happy to see Mularkey and the offense serve a chocking portion of STFU to all the whiners, critics, and AFMB chicken littles who are already gaggled up clucking on a Fire BVG thread.
Look folks, we have a young qb in his 3rd season. There’s large portions of the play book we don’t want shown on film early in the season, and there’s parts they don’t run until Ryan’s into the groove of the season.
Was also very impressed with the way the team, coming off the ugly Philly game and blowing a big lead because of 2 huge gamechanging mistakes, came right back and won the game. That’s huge and it’s something that teams that want to go deep in the playoffs have.
JSS
October 24th, 2010
11:14 pm
I got his clearance guy on the line
5150 P.O.A.D.
October 24th, 2010
11:27 pm
So close for Favre 2nd and 30.
5150 P.O.A.D.
October 24th, 2010
11:31 pm
Favre no Magic Tonight
Falcon Jim
October 24th, 2010
11:32 pm
Got to give it to the old man. Close and exciting. What more do you want?
JSS
October 24th, 2010
11:33 pm
Interesting game…
JSS
October 24th, 2010
11:36 pm
Well time to get to work… Scripts to read…
UGABugKiller
October 24th, 2010
11:37 pm
I guess this isn’t the 1st time this year Brett Favre came up a little… short?
Falcon Jim
October 24th, 2010
11:42 pm
Bugkiller, callin him “stubby?”
Dr. Warren
October 25th, 2010
3:59 am
Jim Mitchell was the best tight end before Gonzalez. Let’s not forget the often-forgettable 70s Falcons. Claude Humphrey, Tommy Nobis, Mitchell, Alfred Jenkins, Jeff Van Note, Mike Kenn, John James, William Andrews, and maybe Bartkowski could all start for us now.
Favre's Bad Pass
October 25th, 2010
7:24 am
Favre throws too many game-reversing interceptions. He’s not distracted by scandal, he’ just too old. Randy Moss didn’t even know he was supposed to catch the ball in several plays. Maybe Moss is deaf. “Huh? I thought he said, “Cheerleader Eligible Play, Sext Left”. (Favre was seen on the sidelines sexting several times during the game, the dirty rat.)
SawThat1nce
October 25th, 2010
7:59 am
who dat? who dat? who dat, dun beat dem saints?
The Cleveland Browns?
Samuel
October 25th, 2010
8:16 am
Roddy White is the truth he put on a clinic out there. I like the way Matt Ryan is throwing the ball. I’m starting to see a lot more acuracy in his throws. Mike Mularky called a pretty good game. The on knock is- How could you not draw up any plays for Harry Douglas in the offensive scheme of things. I”ll be glad when Weatherspoon and Robinson come back, however going forward I’ not quite sold on this defense. Vangorder needs to do a better job of coaching these guys up. I was impressed with Vance Walker’s play against the run.
suwaneefalcon
October 25th, 2010
8:18 am
A little closer then I anticipated at halftime but, a win none the less. Think what it is like this morning being a Saints, Bears, Broncos, or even a Vikings fan. I am happy whith where we are at and glad we have a bye week to get Spoon and Robinson back on the field healthy. First place is a good place to be with Tampa coming in.
GO FALCONS!!!
MR ZIZZLE
October 25th, 2010
8:27 am
Go Falcons! But who didn’t enjoy watching the Saints lose to Cleveland! “THE SAINTS ARE WHO WE THOUGHT THEY WERE!”
SirReal
October 25th, 2010
8:29 am
I was actually impressed with the play calling today. Dare I say it…job well done to Mularkey. They finally opened up a bit. The team seemed to really have fun out there. (except that 3rd quarter. WE CANNOT let teams back in. The game is 60 minutes, not 30) But overall, we have to be satisfied with where we are. 1) Sit atop the NFC South alone. 2) Roddy White will be a household name by the end of the year. 3) We’re 5-2…still not bad at ALL. 4)No significant injuries. Everyone should be back after the bye. Things are going well. Think about it. If they perform the same way in the second half, we could win our division and be playoff bound!
jerry
October 25th, 2010
8:29 am
The tv announcer said that Chris Owen had a great game. Say what????????
JeanE
October 25th, 2010
8:43 am
Me & my family were at the game, it was electric!! Not much of a defensive battle on either side but great offensive effort by the Birds!! I’ve said it all along: Roddy is our big offensive weapon, why focus on Jenks or Gonzo, they should be utilized but not the focus. Roddy is our ace and he showed it big time Sunday. The playcalling was better, who would’ve thought we’d throw on 3rd and 1 and out of a running formation, that is what I like to see. However, the pic Matt threw I blame on playcalling. He had thrown that same route to Jenks and it was almost a pick, and he threw it again and it WAS a pick. Why????? That is my only big criticism of the playcalling. Otherwise, much better Mularkey. And the pass protection was, for the most part, better. Hopefully, with the bye week and getting Dunta back, the defense will be better. I love the way Grimes plays!! Great game, way to go Falcons!!
Gatorman
October 25th, 2010
8:47 am
Fighting for the extra yard is proven to be costly for a lot of teams, as the longer the defense can keep the player from hitting the ground, the more likely a fumble will occur. White could just as easily wend down rather than little batman from stripping the ball, and on numerous occasions around the league, I saw the same thing happen. Manly actions may be part of the WWF, but in the NFL being smart and going down before taking a huge hit or being stripped, is more important. Get wise guys!
JeanE
October 25th, 2010
8:50 am
Jeff, totally agree with you about Jenkins. Also, when you are at the game, you can really see how small Douglas is against our other receivers. Still, he’s fast.
BW
October 25th, 2010
8:53 am
Maybe Ryan ought to be kept under wraps in season three….the man’s decision making still leaves much to be desired. That one play where he scrambled for what seemed like a minute and then almost got picked off trying to make a play while listening to the commentators describe how cool under pressure he was made me somewhat physically ill. Roddy is one of the top three wide receivers in the league and repeatedly bailed out Ryan on some bad throws. All in all the team has shown itself to be above average but not yet elite. They still don’t show up for the New England, Philadelphia, NYG, Dallas, etc games that would put them into elite status. The defense is getting banged up as well and I’m concerned about the secondary after watching them almost snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. With all that being said, if they beat Baltimore and the Saints a second time it will go a long way to allaying my fears about this team.
clay
October 25th, 2010
8:59 am
where are all the saints fans now talking about the saints are about to take back whats there’s and how we suck here in atlanta. you just got beat by the CLEVELAND BROWNS WITH A ROOKIE QUARTERBACK IN YOUR OWN DOME. yall suck. shows how much of a fluke last year was. hahaha
elvis
October 25th, 2010
9:07 am
anybody remember the little blond, slow footed, receiver named Billy Ryckman? Great hands, go-to guy on third and short or second and medium.
srf
October 25th, 2010
9:13 am
I was glad to see Vance Walker play well, it is nice to have some depth and rotation on the D Line.
Barry
October 25th, 2010
9:27 am
Hey Y’all:
I loved Roddy White’s play against Cincinnnati. HE WAS SPECTACULAR!! IT WAS “IN YOUR FACE” FOOTBALL. All through the week, Roddy epitomized what “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!” is all about. When the premadonna’s, Owens and El Stinko, was talking trash and mailing T-Shirts to the Falcons defensive backs, Roddy stood up for his team mates and called it “DISRESPECTFUL” to his TEAM MATES, as it was. You know the team jelled behind his remarks for the game. The FALCONS came out “SMASH MOUTHING” the Bengals in “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!” fashion. They had each others back on offense, defense, and special teams. And the fans were just “DELERIOUS” at the game. We have no “premadonnas” on this team. WE ARE “ONE” TEAM. WE ARE “ONE HEARTBEAT!!”. WE ARE A TEAM. A SOLID FIST!!!!. AND WE ARE KNOCKING THEM OUT!! I believe the offense is just starting to open up the playbook after the Philly game. What I saw yesterday was “SCARY” “REALLY SCARY” of what this offense can do with all the weapons they have. NFL teams “WATCH OUT”. They just let the “GORILLA” out of the cage. And it’s the ATLANTA FALCONS.
The defense, on the otherhand, did their job. The covered and had turnovers. They were definitely popping T.O. and “El Stinko”. I know their mouth was shut after the game. I wished all the defensive backs who got those T-Shirts will maill them back to “El Stinko” in “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!”. THAT WOULD REALLY BE GREAT. And the next time he plays our Falcons, he will keep his mouth shut. GREAT GAME DEFENSE. I AM LOVING THE WAY YOU GUYS ARE POPPING OUT THERE. “POP EM GOOD” IN “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!!!
WAY TO GO FANS!!! WAY TO GO COACHES!!! WAY TO GO PLAYERS!!! WAY TO GO ATLANTA!!! “WE RISE” IN “ONE HEARTBEAT!!!!”
GO FALCONS!! THE “PROCESS” CONTINUES!!!!!!!!
SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is a SECRET from a FALCON FAN. TELL EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!
……………………”ONE HEARTBEAT, BABY!!!”…………………
Falcons73
October 25th, 2010
10:02 am
It was great to see the aggressiveness on the offensive side of the ball yesterday. We all have been scratching our collective heads trying to figure out the “grand scheme” in the conservative play calling so far.
I’m glad that Smitty and Mularkey stopped the insanity and came out with a purpose to stretch the field and get an early lead. There is nothing wrong with trying to establish a running game, but it has to be done with an overall purpose and not just blind stubbornness. Today was an example that the Falcons can have the best of both worlds, without losing the physical toughness/edge they desire to keep. Congrats coaching staff and please continue to evolve and grow this offense/team.
Peter
October 25th, 2010
10:48 am
Well they came back and won…that is what champion season’s are made of……
The Falcon fans should be happy with the current record, and despite the two ugly losses, they got a few ugly wins !
I hope they get healthy and continue the great run.
5150 P.O.A.D
October 25th, 2010
11:48 am
Can the Falcons auction off the T-Shirts Ocho Cinco sent to the Falcons? I think The Falcons should have the Dbacks and Roddy White autograph the Tees and Auction them for Childrens Health Care of Atlanta.
no mo iso-joe
October 25th, 2010
3:23 pm
my condolences to seenthisb4
Post-it
October 25th, 2010
5:13 pm
Didn’t hear Peria Jerry’s name get called on Sunday but a lot of Vance Walker. Either way, I’ll take it, but was hoping for some more breakthrough plays from our big ‘09 draft pick.
waynelaster
October 26th, 2010
11:12 pm
Yes the Falcons & the Giants are the favorites in the NFC. I truly think their sucess is from hard work & practice. The players are better as well as the coaching staff. The Falcons were predictable that is why the lack of scoreing the last previous games. They are truly more balanced team than the Giants are. They only need to improve on passing defense.