‘Explosive’ Falcons just opened season with a dud
What do they say about a picture telling a story? This one of Matt Ryan explains Falcons' day.
CHICAGO – When the Falcons said they wanted to get more explosive this season, did they mean like Wile E. Coyote explosive?
They said the intent was to open up the offense. Stretch defenses. They said they wanted to get more aggressive on defense. Pressure opposing quarterbacks. Let it fly, baby. Light the fuse. Problem is, when you don’t follow your own directions, it’s easy to inadvertently wire your big toe to the ACME dynamite kit. Then when you push the plunger on the season opener . . .
Boom!
The Falcons opened the season Sunday. Three hours later, all the remained was a pile of ashes.
Chicago Bears 30, Falcons 12. How’s that for your potential Super Bowl team? Instead of giving you a reason to forget their 48-21 playoff loss to Green Bay last January, the Falcons succeeded only in extending the hangover. They have been outscored in their last two games by 45 points.
And about that 0-4 record in the preseason. Maybe it’s not so meaningless after all.
“Stunned is an understatement,” linebacker Mike Peterson said.
“This isn’t what we planned on — it was awful,” Roddy White said.
It was worse than that. It was inexcusable.
Was all that talk about explosiveness just lip service? This was a season opener. This game followed months of hearing coaches, players and the front office talking about the need for wows and pyrotechnics on both sides of the ball. The Falcons traded a blur of draft picks so they could move up to draft wide receiver Julio Jones. They snagged defensive end Ray Edwards in free agency. They talked a big game.
But when the gates open, they pressed the trigger and a flag saying, “Bang!” popped out. The Bears didn’t play dead.
Many Falcons players chose to credit Chicago’s defense for playing a strong game and taking away the deep threat. But quarterback Matt Ryan and offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey seldom left the impression they were in attack mode. Ryan never threw deep. Never. He says he thought about it several times but there was nothing there. Ryan also committed two horrific mistakes — an interception by Brian Urlacher, which led to a second-quarter touchdown when the game was still 3-3, and fumbling in the third quarter, leading to an Urlacher return for another score.
Ryan also was hoping to leave his Green Bay playoff performance behind him. This didn’t help. He has five turnovers and one touchdown pass in his last two games.
The Falcons didn’t just look bad. They self-destructed. They did things that good teams, let alone Super Bowl contenders, never should do. The defense missed tackles, took bad angles on plays and blew coverages. They turned Jay Cutler (312 yards, two touchdowns) into Sid Luckman. They introduced Roy Williams, who got drop-kicked out of Dallas, to relevancy.
They were beat physically. Chicago defense may be good but it’s hardly Monsters, redux. This isn’t 1941 or 1985.
Offensively, the Falcons looked and played timid. They lined up White on one side, Jones on the other, and Tony Gonzalez and Harry Douglas between the two, as advertised. Then they cowered. Chicago often dropped eight players into coverage and taking away the deep ball. But don’t great players and great coaches adjust? They make plays. Instead, we were subjected to four quarters of check-downs.
Coach Mike Smith acknowledged the poor performance but he tried to temper concerns with, “Let’s not say the sky is falling.”
Gonzalez also sought to calm the masses.
“People outside the organization are going to push the panic button,” he said. “They’re going to think, ‘Oh my God. Overhyped. Over this. Over that. You know what? They’re full of it. If you want to think that, go ahead. Maybe it sells papers. Maybe it gives people something to talk about. But it’s one game. We’ve got the players to do something special. We just have to go out next week and play better. And we will next week, I guarantee it.”
Nobody should doubt the Falcons can still be a great team. But opening performances like this tend to alter perspectives, especially with Michael Vick and Philadelphia coming to the Georgia Dome next week.
Overhyped? It’s probably too early for such proclamations. But it would at least be nice to see the Falcons attempt what they advertised.
By Jeff Schultz
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750 comments Add your comment
Dave Choate
September 12th, 2011
12:22 am
Also, Turner looks more like an undersized offensive lineman than he does a running back. He should practice not eating seconds at the dinner table
bob
September 12th, 2011
12:24 am
Why wasn’t Rodgers not put into the game until 2nd half? Needed him on screens and wide runs. Why did Weems not run up and fair catch short punts? Letting them roll put us in bad field position several times. Did we ever blitz Cutler? Can’t we play pressure defense like Jets and Bears, or are out guys and scheme not good enough? Looks like we stayed back in zone all day and their receivers just ran to the open areas. Mularkey ever hear of a play action on 1st down when we are in the Red Zone? Seems like we always run Turner on first down. Boring, Predictable offense.
Show Me State of Mind
September 12th, 2011
12:25 am
The honeymoon is over for this coaching staff and the entire organization …INCLUDING OWNERSHIP !!!! And Arthur Blank has the nerve to demand a new stadium…with this garbage a$$ product ????!!! I think not Artie !!! Give us a GD secondary!!!! a GD real QB!!! a GD offensive line !!!!
and REAL COACHES !!!!! who know how to design and call plays and adjust game plan as necessary!! This QB, coaching staff and GM have reached their potential…and it looks alot like the same sh*t we have seen for the last 45 years… GARBAGE !!!!!!! The only player who showed up today was John Abraham !! He is paid less than Weatherspoon, Dunta Robinson and Matty Sue…the sissy QB we have….that can’t play the position like her high heels and dress get in the way.
realitycheck
September 12th, 2011
12:29 am
I’ve been saying all along that the Falcons overachieved and lucked their way to that 13-3 record last year. That statement has consistently been met with resistance on this blog. I’ve said all along that this team would not win the division and might not make the playoffs this season. Again, my statements were ridiculed. And I predicted this team would finish between 7-9 and 9-7. That too did not go over well on this blog. I have maintained my position that this defense DID NOT get fixed in the offseason. I will stick to all of those predictions even though the Falcons are only 0-1.
Jimbo
September 12th, 2011
12:35 am
Falcons just imitating UGA.
Chandler going Deep..
September 12th, 2011
12:40 am
Yes @ realitycheck, you had sound predictions. IRecall what you said..
You must remember there are tons of delusional Falcant fans on these blogs especially D3’s blog where he will block you if dont cheer lead over there…
Falcon=UGA for real? Flat out terrible coaching.. Guess you go 0-6 and the fans start to snap back into reality?
TIRED OF MEDIOCRITY
September 12th, 2011
12:40 am
Mularkey with his vanilla never go deep offense and Van Gorder with his ridiculous zone defense have got to go. You better change your scheming before next Sunday or the Eagles are liable to run us out of the dome.
moboman
September 12th, 2011
12:43 am
Im with you Dave, Turner needs to lose 15 pounds. The Burner seems to have lost some fire.
AFF
September 12th, 2011
12:51 am
Matty Ice needs to quit camming on the Adult Friend Finder and start honing his football game!
Chris Horne
September 12th, 2011
12:52 am
I’ll say it agian.. Matt Ryan plays scared!
Chill
September 12th, 2011
12:53 am
I’ve seen enough. Sean Weatherspoon is a Bust!!
Columbus
September 12th, 2011
1:44 am
Rough weekend for GA sports fans that for sure. Falcons sucked. Braves get swept. UGA gives a game away. Only one game for the Falcons but they better have a GREAT game plan because this week gets no easier thats for sure. Braves need their starting pitching to get healthy and stay healthy. UGA needs to get a couple of wins under their belt and then they will be fine. Rough weekend though. But hey, it will pass. This is another week and all will do much better before the seasons are over. Especially if you UGA fans will get on board and stop putting pressure on the players and the coach they came to UGA to play for…..
Columbus
September 12th, 2011
1:45 am
Are the UGA fans that cant handle a couple of understandable down years calling for Smith’s and Ryan’s heads yet? LOL. Lose another and they will be! LOL.
andy
September 12th, 2011
1:56 am
The falcons can lose—but this was…………..
Chuck "The Real Deal" Steele
September 12th, 2011
2:44 am
No wonder the rest of the country looks down on Atlanta as one of the worst sports cities. It certainly doesn’t help that there’s only one newspaper in town and the writers must get a drama queen bonus each week for the most alarmist article.
Yes, it was bad, but it was just one game. No sane person would jump to conclusions based on that. Case in point, the Steelers got blown out worse than the Falcons. Are their postseason chances flushed down the toilet? Is anyone predicting that they will finish below .500?
For all the doomsday so-called fans out there, dry your eyes, change your diapers and get ready for next week. With only one sample as a foundation for your proclamations, you sound ignorant at best, and at worst; pathetic.
Stevereeno
September 12th, 2011
3:19 am
I had to turn the channel, it was that painfull.
Dr. Warren
September 12th, 2011
5:34 am
We traded Matt Schaub to move up to draft a player (Jamaal Anderson) we eventually cut. Is there anyone who seriously thinks Ryan is better than Schaub?
THE WEAKEST (ARM) LINK
September 12th, 2011
6:15 am
Hey Matt if the line wont block: RUN!!! Vick did. LOL
If the coaches are worst than Petrino: (so they say) Your superior talent should carry the team.
Receivers wont catch: Well they can catch now unlike when Vick was here. THE PROBLEM IS YOU CANT THROW!!!!
And yes your are the WEAKEST LINK!!!
Just Looking
September 12th, 2011
6:17 am
Chuck Steele
There is a big difference between the Steelers and Falcons. Steelers have been there and done that and have credibility. The Falcons DO NOT have credibility!!! So do not compare the 2 teams. It’s just week 1 and NFC South is 0-4. The Falcons loss was more alarming though because they didn’t do anything right..no bright spots anywhere and now the Eagles come to town.
Decatur Falcon
September 12th, 2011
6:30 am
Obviously some players can’t play in the regular season after not being on the field in the Preseason- D.Robinson- Why do we continue to put Owes on the field- Not only is he lost in the secondary- But he creates a situation on special teams where you are playing 10 on 11 as he is getting mauled.
TROTTINGHOME
September 12th, 2011
6:35 am
You can tell who lost money on this game
Tom G
September 12th, 2011
7:18 am
Chill – At least Weatherspoon made a couple tackles, Peria Jerry – I did not hear his name mentioned even once? Obliviously we are disappointed but there are about 20 other teams out there that would be happy to have Matt Ryan. Our biggest problem is the OL(missing 2 former players for now), one(McClure) may come back in a few weeks but we have to live with it for now as it it the best they can find available? They have to get mean and nasty like last season! Final word – Don’t forget we were playing Chicago(Division winners), even beat out Packers, not some Little Sisters of the Poor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
burned
September 12th, 2011
7:18 am
5 picks for julio, all that money for dunta? bad investments.
joe taxpayer
September 12th, 2011
7:19 am
Ryan is overrated and overhyped.
Michael M.
September 12th, 2011
7:26 am
The Score next Sunday after the Eagles leave town………………..4 billion to 6 Eagles win! No seriously, I would not be surprised if the Birds don’t pull the upset and beat the Eagles because they are long overdue for a win against them. As Dion Sanders use to say, ‘This is my House, you ain’t coming in my House and walking away with no win!’
Michael M.
September 12th, 2011
7:29 am
Hey, it wasn’t just the Falcons, Pittsburg also got their Butts handed to them, and they are a Pick to go to Superbpwl, so go figure!
Buckeye
September 12th, 2011
7:34 am
1. The game will serve as a major wake up call.
2. When is McClure back? The O-line was a sive.
3. The tackling (or should I say pushing) was abissmal.
4. The good news? The entire NFC South lost.
5. The better news? The dogs are 0-2 and may fall out of the Top 40!
Joey
September 12th, 2011
7:49 am
0-2.
You all know it.
We haven’t even given the Eagles a good game in several years . . .
Tom G
September 12th, 2011
7:54 am
Buckeye – right on the money with your post. Except the dogs, I love them(daughter a grad), they should not be in top 100 much less 40!! Scheduling Boise and SC first two games not a bright idea, should have went GT’s direction, like playing of Emory and Devry!!
Marc
September 12th, 2011
8:11 am
I won’t pretend to be an expert on football but what is up with Eric Weems swatting his arms and letting punts hit the ground to roll another 10, 20 or more yards? He’s good when he gets a chance to return but I really question his decision making abilities.
flagger
September 12th, 2011
8:13 am
the secondary sucks again…dunta is lead sucker…owens second sucker!!!!!!
Jeff Schultz
September 12th, 2011
8:19 am
Folks, deleted about 200 comments and banned 10 to 15 commenters last night. Things way out of hand with obscenities and racist comments. Beforewarned: Every single comment I delete, there’s a very good chance that person will be banned. Please be responsible.
Thanks for reading.
J
Chandler going Deep..
September 12th, 2011
8:21 am
Harrington Jr. aint the one NEO….
JSS
September 12th, 2011
8:25 am
Oh pooh, and there I was trying to finish my dissertation on the mental insecurities of AJC Bloggers!
Bill
September 12th, 2011
8:25 am
WOW…I’m amazed that everything is put on MR’s shoulders, he doesn’t make the gameplan, he threw for over 300 yds while running for his life. The problem is Mularkey does not have a creative offensive bone in his body. He has the talent, White/Jones/Gonzalez, etc., he simply doesn’t know how to design a game plan to take advantage of this talent. Also the O-line sucked today, against Chicago physical is the game and the Falcons’ line couldn’t handle it. As for the defense, our D Backs have to be the worst in the league, they can’t cover and/or tackle and their Zone Coverage just doesn’t work. Rumeal (sp) just isn’t worth the money given to him. The D-line played well, except for Mr. Edwards, who was no were to be found. As for Witherspoon it was a bad mistake on the one tackle, but I like what he brings to the table. I’m confident they will turn it around and be the team they were at least last year, but to do this it requires a better plan from the O & D Co-ordinators. My only concern is whether or not Mularkey and BVG have the imagination to make this happen?
ryan2atl
September 12th, 2011
8:27 am
Wow, what fan support. Yes they pitched a dud but its one game. You must check down if thats whats given you unless you enjoy ints. Defense NG, made Cutler look like Brady. Agree defensive help needed more than WR. Schedule tough but believe a winning season will be acheived w/playoffs. In case no one noticed there are several very good teams out there. GB is incredibly deep and so are the Saints, oh, did I forget the Eagles. Playoff teams will have some Ls this season. 10-6 will look good, lets let it play out.a little..
Jimmy Crack
September 12th, 2011
8:27 am
Well there’s always FANTASY FOOTBALL!!! At least I can root for winners!
JSS
September 12th, 2011
8:27 am
Seriously JeffSchultz, how of those that you banned were suffering from “Multiple Blogger User ID Name personality disorder?”
welikebaseball2
September 12th, 2011
8:28 am
Amazing how the Atlanta masses are still protecting Ryan, as if no one can criticize our “franchise” QB. Look, I want more than anything for him to turn out to be the real deal. Fact is, he doesn’t play to win…he plays not to lose (see the millions of check downs). Even if there’s tight coverage on the deep routes, throw it up & let your receivers try to make a play. Players that play to win don’t just “take what the defense gives” them. To do such a thing means you’re simply playing into their hands…falling into their gameplan…doing exactly what they want you to do. They are, in turn, the dictators. It would be nice to see our QB find a way to dictate, as the truly great QB’s do. Of all the “intangibles” folks claim Ryan has, I find it disturbing that none of those “intangibles” seem to mean anything against agressive, top tier defenses. And before you start with the “he threw for over 300 yards” mess, I say this: I’d rather have a QB throw for 200 yards with no INT’s & one TD than have one throw for over 300 yards with a fumble & an interception. Yes, Ryan has regressed. Let’s hope he can turn it around.
DJDAWG
September 12th, 2011
8:31 am
Someone tell the falcons the pre-season is over with!
Fish Bisch
September 12th, 2011
8:32 am
So DOL said this was the worst loss under Matt Ryan and that there were no blowouts last year. http://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-falcons/falcons-suffer-worst-regular-1171799.html
Was he in a coma when Philadelphia handed our butts to us last year?
Jimmy Crack
September 12th, 2011
8:32 am
Don’t worry Jeff, I’m just venting. I will be back for more pain and anguish next week. A nationally televised night game no less! With Mike Vick and his Vickofants! I’ll bring the Tums.
Hoping for a win next week! hehehehehehehehehe I MEAN IT! hahahahahahahaha
pmc
September 12th, 2011
8:35 am
Well, they were crap in training camp and they’ve carried it on through to the regular season.
Starting to wonder when Dimitroff’s picks are going to start making plays…. any plays. Explosive? I’ll take a decent tackle at this point.
Chandler going Deep..
September 12th, 2011
8:38 am
I thought Joey Harrington retired NEO?????????????????????
JeanE
September 12th, 2011
8:38 am
I’m not a bit surprised by this game, in fact, I picked Chicago to win. Alt is a terrible road team and nothing changed my mind about that in this debacle. I like Matt Ryan but I’m really starting to question his toughness, he just checked down all day. O-line looked bad, I knew we’d miss Harvey Dahl and McClure was out, too. Ohh and dare I say, Matty would’ve liked to have his 3rd down security blanket, Finn, there to block and move the chains. Also, he was fab on special teams. This team is a joke. We might be 0-3 with this schedule. At least we’re home next week, it might be a close game but I’m not overly confident about that either.
pmc
September 12th, 2011
8:38 am
This team can’t cover a screen pass.. Seriously. They can’t even take decent angles. Let that ruminate.
Spoon, Shut up and PLAY. Jerry, looking like a bust. Nicholas, not good enough to start. Two Safeties, still can’t cover. 50 million dollars of waste at CB, looks like a government defense budget. Tons of wasted money.
SAM BAKER CANNOT PLAY LEFT TACKLE IN THE NFL WHAT MORE EVIDENCE DO YOU FREAKING NEED?
welikebaseball2
September 12th, 2011
8:39 am
ryan2atl: Yes, it’s just “one game,” but fans are absolutely justified in complaining/worrying if that “one game” shows the team struggle in the same areas they struggled in last season. Things like the inability to stretch the defense & the inability to stop the pass. Folks are concerned that these are issues that haven’t been sufficiently addressed/fixed…& have every right to be.
pmc
September 12th, 2011
8:40 am
If they start the season 0-3 or 0-4 you can forget the playoffs.
If they miss the playoffs with this team they should be blowing out the coordinators after no playoff wins in 4 years and they should be looking at drafting a new QB.
DC
September 12th, 2011
8:42 am
you cant blame all this on Ryan..some yes…but that offensive line was horrible! The announcers were calling the o-line out all day too…He had no time to find a deep man..
Fish Bisch
September 12th, 2011
8:43 am
Even a fourth grader can figure out a succesful scheme against the falcons. Opponents know what Mularkey and Vangroder bring to the table. Someone tell VG that prevent defenses only prevent victories. If I had a brick handy I would’ve thrown it through my TV when I saw Abraham dropping back in coverege on an early 3rd down attempt by the Bears. Mularkey, last year’s hot name, unfortunately didn’t get a coaching gig that he desires which makes me terribly sad. After the Green Bay game though, who could blame anyone for not interviewing him anymore. We need a new offensive co-ordinator desperately and only these blowouts will help. I’m all for a 7-9 or 6-10 season for the Falcons to dump Mularkey.