Mistakes aside, onus is on Mularkey to fix Falcons’ offense
Mike Mularkey is getting heat for regression of Matt Ryan and the offense. (Curtis Compton/AJC)
FLOWERY BRANCH – Let’s start with the two biggest mistakes of the Falcons’ offseason.
One was not adequately replacing punter Michael Koenen after he fled for free-agent riches in Tampa. The Falcons drafted Matt Bosher and for some reason have kept him, as if holding out hopes that on one glorious Sunday, the bingo card will hit. The other was letting guard Harvey Dahl leave in free agency. It robbed the offensive line of its toughest, nastiest, limb-ripping creature, which is a problem when management is still waiting for left tackle Sam Baker to evolve into a species more intimidating than a Peep.
But that doesn’t explain everything.
The Falcons are 2-3. Even their most impressive win suddenly isn’t looking so impressive (Philadelphia is 1-4). There is no shortage of problems on defense, but that wasn’t the primary issue in Sunday night’s meltdown against Green Bay. The offense produced two touchdowns and 140 yards in the first two drives, then seemed to be vaporized. The rest of the game produced five punts, four three-and-outs, two interceptions and zero points.
There was a similar fizzle the week before in Seattle. The Falcons led 24-7 at halftime, then produced two field goals in the second half.
Bottom-line numbers: The Falcons, who promised us pyrotechnics, haven’t even provided improvement. They rank 19th in total offense (338.4 yards), 23rd in rushing (98.8), 22nd in pass-efficiency rating (79.9) and 20th in scoring (20.8) — all drops from a year ago. Some of the struggles can be attributed to the wailing wall up front. Quarterback Matt Ryan has been sacked 14 times in five games. He was dropped 23 times all of last season. He also has been less accurate and consistent in his decision-making.
But production or lack thereof generally starts with the guy pulling the strings. In this case, that’s Mike Mularkey.
It’s an offensive coordinator’s job to put players in the best position to win games. Whether the Falcons have become too predictable in play-calling, or players aren’t executing, or for whatever reason can’t stay focused for four quarters, it’s still about coaching and getting players to perform.
Here’s the most remarkable stat that has come out of the Falcons’ slow start: They’ve been outscored 61-13 in the third quarter. When presented those numbers Tuesday, Mularkey’s response was, “We try to score every time we get the ball, so that’s irrelevant to me.”
Should it be?
Coaches make halftime adjustments. The logical conclusion is defensive coaches are adjusting to Falcons’ play-calling and the offense then sputters. In the second halves of five games this season, the offensive has produced 0, 2, 1, 0 and 0 touchdowns. Is that just a coincidence?
Mularkey dismissed the adjustments theory, saying, “That’s the outside sources who would say that.” (I would be the outside source here.) He then pointed to penalties and breakdowns, not play-calling, as reasons for the scoring drop.
“The general public and yourself would not know that unless you studied film, knew what the game plan was and knew what was happening in the first half and not the second half,” he said.
He’s right. I don’t study game film. I also can’t rebuild a transmission, but I’m pretty sure I can tell when one blows up.
Mularkey doesn’t completely absolve himself of culpability (”We have to clean things up, and it starts with me.”) But he doesn’t look at tape on Mondays and declare, “Wow, did I blow that call,” at least not that he admits.
“We’re not doing it consistently now because something has happened in one place or another that has made that drive stall,” he said. “It’s not just penalties or a mistake. It’s a drop, a sack or something else. The same plays are being called.
“You ask if I second-guess myself? No, I don’t. Not like you guys do.”
He’s not too sensitive.
Mularkey actually managed a smile when asked if he was feeling heat.
“This is heat?” he cracked.
That was to be expected from someone who was a head coach in Buffalo (he resigned after two years). But until the turnaround comes, the questions won’t stop, and it’s only going to get hotter.
By Jeff Schultz
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297 comments Add your comment
Lbilly
October 12th, 2011
2:36 am
Matt Ryan is the problem. He has noodle arm and threw well beyond the reach of his significant weapons. Let’s just call it what it is. Same thing every week with that dude.
Mama there goes that man!
October 12th, 2011
2:53 am
I believe if we lose to the Panthers and our offense does not produce they will have no choice but to fire Mike Mularkey. And I believe that BOB BRATKOWSKI will be the offensive coordinator. He was the coordinator of that Bengals offense when they had Chad Johnson, and TJ Whos your Mama when they had one of the best passing attacks in the game. His offense fits our personal and i believe once they make that move we will get rolling. I dont think Mularkey is terrible, his offense does not fit here anymore because of the talent we have accumalated.
Groucho7070
October 12th, 2011
3:09 am
Jeff, I agree that letting Dahl and Koenen leave were major mistakes. Koenen helped set a all-time record for punt yards allowed for the defense a couple yrs ago. anybody who knows ANYTHING about football knows field position is paramount. just look at the punts the falcons are delivering now.
i stated Sunday during the game about how Dunta Robinson is constantly being beating on routes, and as a result either delivers a late (penalty) hit, or deep yardage.
it’d be interesting to hear your take on that.
Heath
October 12th, 2011
4:10 am
The 1st and 10 does not exist for the Falcons. A series always starts at 2nd and 12 because everyone in the league (and the CFL and Mars) knows that we are going to run Turner up the middle behind an O-line that cannot block.
It makes things a little tougher when every series starts 2nd and 12.
Rodney
October 12th, 2011
4:50 am
$4,000 for season tickets in section #110 and I can’t even get my money back because everybody have an EXCUSE for why we can’t produce. You didn’t promise me that you would win every game, but you PROMISED that you would compete and the product on the field would be worth it. That’s not HAPPENING! And btw when your halftime show is better than the game that might be a problem!
Eric C.
October 12th, 2011
4:56 am
It’s like letting Elmer Fudd have the keys to the Z51 — we want explosive, but the modus operandi is still to hand the ball off to an aging RB and throw short possession passes on 3rd down. Something has to give.
We all knew before the first game that losing Koenen and Dahl would haunt this team, but hopefully Bosher and the new OL will continue to improve.
DC Dirty Bird
October 12th, 2011
6:26 am
I’m tired of people clammering about Bosher. Isn’t this supposed to be a team that doesn’t punt a lot? The gap between Bosher and Koenen is exacerbated by the fact that we’re punting far too much.
Any one start to think that our lack of “explosiveness” at RB is holding us back. When was the last time Michael Turner mad someone miss a tackle. We can’t even run screen passes or the stretch running play with him in the game.
JSS
October 12th, 2011
6:52 am
Bratkowski? That was mistake number 1, look at the Bengals now! Thank goodness he didn’t have the chance to contaminate Andy Dalton!!!
just sayin'
October 12th, 2011
7:18 am
well, the homers seem to have woke up…melt is a ‘game manager’ not an elite QB…dink and dunk..no secondary fears a long ball from melt…the arc he puts on the ball allows the DB to recover…coach clean shot knows this and is more afraid of the int than the possibility of a completion…wonder how many will sit out this game with helmet to helmet induced concussion symptoms?….coach clean shot is beginning to look more like s t e v e martin’s ‘jerk’ character every game…pacing up and down the sidelines with that ‘lost’ look on his face…
O'Brien
October 12th, 2011
7:20 am
Najeh,
The velocity needed for those throws is a lot higher in the NFL, and Ryan hasn’t consistently displayed it..
Agreed. Also, I wonder how confident he is when he has to make those deep passes.
Samuel
October 12th, 2011
7:21 am
I think Mularky is right break downs and penalties plus bad execution have stalled the offense. But being that said, Mularky’s inability to adapt to change is the culprit. Save the first half of the Packers game he’s incapable of exuding creativity. When you see Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady run their offenses and the way they play the game, then you realize that Ryan is good but he’s not in that league yet. It’s not about the arm Joe Montana didn’t have a strong arm. But more importantly it’s about football IQ, and ones ability to translate that on the field.
Tennis Rodman
October 12th, 2011
7:22 am
Fat Face Overweight Steak Shapiro said it best Dunta Robinson is not a playmaker but is getting paid playmaker money. Insert Melted ICE in above analysis as well.
New OC means do-over for the entire offense
October 12th, 2011
7:24 am
I agree MM is broken—no ability to adjust or recognize his own talents abilities and weaknesses. Little creativity. Who hired this guy? TD or coach Smith—he needs to go.
We can’t entirely blame him—the OL came into this season with no chemistry.
JSS
October 12th, 2011
7:34 am
You can’t run the “stretch play” because your tackles and that Dan Reeves reject Kelly can’t seal the edges. The Falcons are having countless plays being BLOWN UP in the backfield! What are you not seeing? If you want Chris Johnson like style then bring back Jerious Norwood and revamp your line! There’s only four people with that skill set: Gale Sayers, Barry Sanders, the McCoy kid in Philly, and LaMichael James at Oregon… Here’s a simple solution, BLOCK!
And anybody who doesn’t see that you have a two-fold problem in the kicking game is just asking for problems!
Really?
October 12th, 2011
7:37 am
@Chandler Going Deep — wow, first and again! When Mommy let’s you out of your basement bedroom into the real world, you can put that on your resume (ask her what that is and she will tell you and help you with it). What an accomplishment!
Really!
Ted M
October 12th, 2011
7:46 am
Jeff – It sounds like “Double M” was saying he never makes adjustments to what the defense is doing…was that your take too?
Ted M
October 12th, 2011
7:51 am
Actually it sounds like MM doesn’t even “try” to make adjustments to the defense.
Doug
October 12th, 2011
7:57 am
Funny how the media protrayed the tea party as racists and who is the leading pres candidate for them? A black guy. Nice media! And they portray the new protestors who are anti capitalism anto successful people as oh great americans! Gee did we here around arrests during tea party rallies? Nope. But we hear of 100’s of arrests almost daily with these wackos.
JSS
October 12th, 2011
8:00 am
That from a person that can’t turn on the keyboard map to spell résumé. CGD, I’m no fan of that “first” thing, but do what you do! You can “resume” your blogging now…
BobDawg
October 12th, 2011
8:01 am
At the beginning of the season if you said after the 1st 5 games (which were deemed the hardest) if the Falcons would be 3-2 or 2-3, I would have said not Bad…probably about right…..The only problem is the “easy” part of our schedule is supposedly here and it ain’t looking so easy now… Yes we Cam is coming to town and then the putrid Lions (er are they 5-0???) uhoh… Bucs are better, Saints are the Saints and we have NO draft picks for the next 50 years… But Mularkey and the Staff no better than we, right???? Sounds like just a few tweaks and our geniuses will have this all spiffy and new. right…..
JSS
October 12th, 2011
8:02 am
Oh its going to “one of those” kind of mornings!
Stepchild
October 12th, 2011
8:02 am
A Carson Palmer trade probably can be made with Cinci….(I’m just saying).
JSS
October 12th, 2011
8:06 am
Palmer wants no part of Bratkowski! Never, never, ever,ever, ever, ever again!!!
Stepchild
October 12th, 2011
8:24 am
So I ask my fellow Falcon faithful…..Let us not criticize without providing a reasonable solution.
What realistically can be done to save the season? Considering that firing everyone would mean re-learning a new system..etc. How can they adjust to make chicken salad out of chicken sh!t???
play call
October 12th, 2011
8:33 am
play calling? not even close to the real problem. The team is just not that good–bad oline and dline, overpaid “stars” not producing, attitude issues, coaching blunders…. Play calling? I wish life were that easy.
RAD
October 12th, 2011
8:37 am
You can call it what you want but the Falcon’s entire coaching staff’s mentality is to play not to lose. Once you establish that mentality, your mind set is not to put the ball in the end zone (as your first priority) but to keep the other team from getting the ball. That is why the last 2 games we come out in the 3rd quarter looking like a different team than what we saw in the first half. The good/great teams are always aggressive and looking to score touchdowns .. even when they have a lead. You can’t coach scared in the NFL and be successful. The reason the Falcons don’t go to the no-huddle more is because the reality is that Matt Ryan is more successful calling the plays during the no huddle offense than Malarkey is in our regular offense. What not allow Ryan to call his own plays one game just to see what will happen? Ryan knows how to mix up the plays so both the passing game and running game are more effective. We can have all of the offensive weapons in the NFL but we may never know just how good players like Matt Ryan and Julio Jones can be unless we trust them and turn them loose!
Lesa
October 12th, 2011
8:38 am
Mularkey’s arrogant tone really ticks me off!! He and Coach Smith seem to be throwing the players under the bus with their comments this week. They are inferring that our woes are all down to player execution of the lack thereof. I know the players are partly to blame, but they shouldn’t shoulder all of the responsibility. I don’t watch film, but I’ve been watching football for more than thirty years and it seems obvious to this novice that if your offense goes from dominating to dismal from one half to the next, the opponent is making adjustments to what you are doing and you are not making similar adjustments. Mularkey is headed for a fall if he doesn’t adjust his attitude. Arthur Blank will not tolerate this mediocrity forever.
bill
October 12th, 2011
8:46 am
Love those “armchair” QBs questioning MR’s arm strength when they probably can’t hit the trash can with their empties during the game. My concern with MR is not his arm strength, you need a plan to include the long ball, to show this ability. The problem is the offensive scheme and you heard MM in his arrogance state that fact. Running the ball is great to set up the pass, but you need something out of the run on 1st down to get them really on their heels The announcers, over & over again,talking about the Falcons lack of progress on lst down. Turner isn’t quick, doesn’t hit the hole like he once did. During the game you could see the hole open but due to his vision, running style or lack if speed he couldn’t hit it quick enough. The O line is not great but when the hole is there the back must go, MT can’t seem to do it anymore. So second and long allows the D to tighten up. As for Ryan, I’m not worried about his “weak arm”, I’m more concerned about his leadership. We needed that lst down when he ran the ball badly, but instead of going for it he slid a yard short. He needs to lead by example sometime. As for the O scheme let’s go hurry up and let MR make the calls, seems to work better than MM brings.
Lesa
October 12th, 2011
8:46 am
That should be “execution OR the lack thereof.” Apologies for the typo.
OPEN YOUR EYES
October 12th, 2011
8:59 am
FIRE MIKE MULARKEY!!!!!!!!
FIRE MIKE MULARKEY!!!!!!!!
FIRE MIKE MULARKEY!!!!!!!!
FIRE MIKE MULARKEY!!!!!!!!
FIRE MIKE MULARKEY!!!!!!!!
FIRE MIKE MULARKEY!!!!!!!!
FIRE MIKE MULARKEY!!!!!!!!
FIRE MIKE MULARKEY!!!!!!!!
FIRE MIKE MULARKEY!!!!!!!!
FIRE MIKE MULARKEY!!!!!!!!
FIRE MIKE MULARKEY!!!!!!!!
FIRE MIKE MULARKEY!!!!!!!!
FIRE MIKE MULARKEY!!!!!!!!
FIRE MIKE MULARKEY!!!!!!!!
FIRE MIKE MULARKEY!!!!!!!!
FIRE MIKE MULARKEY!!!!!!!!
FIRE MIKE MULARKEY!!!!!!!!
FIRE MIKE MULARKEY!!!!!!!!
FIRE MIKE MULARKEY!!!!!!!!
FIRE MIKE MULARKEY!!!!!!!!
FIRE MIKE MULARKEY!!!!!!!!
FIRE MIKE MULARKEY!!!!!!!!
FIRE MIKE MULARKEY!!!!!!!!
FIRE MIKE MULARKEY!!!!!!!!……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..FIRE MIKE MULARKEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
JSS
October 12th, 2011
9:01 am
One, don’t mistake this for the D3 Blog, those are the Falcons faithful fans. 2. Those on the outside are giving you the keys to fixing your problems. Ryan, shorten your package, impose your will via the running game, move your weakest link inside (Baker), and let Svitek have a go. You are carrying 3 centers, why? Why is Reggie Kelly on this team?
Move your corners up and hold those no covering safeties responsible for doing their job!!!
That kicking game is a mess!
Double Zero Eight
October 12th, 2011
9:04 am
Ryan can only throw the deep ball if he has time
to set his feet. He can not throw it while he is
moving or on the run. The only way this can be
corrected is for the offensive line to give him
time to set his feet. It appears this would be asking
a “bit much” based on the first five games. Sam Baker
has been a disappointment. He is slow to react to stunts
and can be easily intimidated by a “bull rush”. Ryan has
“happy feet” because he does not trust his offensive line.
The “O” line lost its swagger when it let Dahl go. No sense
in crying over “spilt milk”.
Opposing teams know that Turner can only run
up the middle. They can clog up the middle as a
general rule and not have to worry about him
trying to get outside, or catch a pass. This
needs to change.
just sayin'
October 12th, 2011
9:08 am
@bill…melt’s arm strength is a BIG part of the problem….been his drawback since college.his receivers know that even though they get open downfield, he can’t hit them in stride with a deep pass…his receivers know his limitations…mm knows his limitations…dinks and dunks..that is the offense that has been built around him…..can’t put all the blame on mm…redman has a stronger arm than melt…accept the fact that melt is a game manager…not an elite qb that can lead a team with his abilities alone….
Alphare
October 12th, 2011
9:12 am
when you watch Ryan play and other successful NFL play, the difference is obvious. When it comes to 3rd down and crunch time, Ryan cannot deliver.
BTW, the former UGA QB is unbelievable. Look so easy and effortless.
Nativebird
October 12th, 2011
9:14 am
wow. BAD answer Mularkey! Blame the players…oh that’s good. Have never liked Mularkey and his lack of creativity on O. Look at McCarthy, then Mularkey. McCarthy, Mularkey…wow what a difference. I’ve been to EVERY Falcon home game since Ryan’s debut. I’ll say it again, we HAVE the players and Talent….we get out-schemed on just about every Sunday. When we win, it is in SPITE of the lack of scheme, lack of adjustment…on pure player ability to overcome their OWN coaching. It is TIME we match our awesome players with top-drawer NFL minds. Wonder why we do much better running no huddle? It’s because Matt Ryan is a flat out a better play caller than his coach. Not good.
Alphare
October 12th, 2011
9:16 am
It’s not a matter of blaming players, it’s calling what it is. You cannot fix the problem if you cannot face it.
SimpleDawg
October 12th, 2011
9:26 am
“That’s irrevelant to me”……
Doesn’t sound like a responsible attitude. I’ll bet TD and Smitty would rather he hadn’t said that.
Also sounds like a guy who has a disconnect between theory and reality.
Chandler Going Deep..
October 12th, 2011
9:32 am
Bring Turner off the bench! Your running back has to be able to use more field. Like being able to get to the edges when the middle is clogged up..
Unfortunately Ryan’s inadequacies going deep or shallow will not allow him to take this franchise to an SB..Perfect blocking wont help him…It is what it is….
Throw out last years record with that vanilla schedule…
Too tough
October 12th, 2011
9:48 am
As a Fan of the Falcons since the 60’s, I am disgusted with the play of the entire team and coaching staff. MM, stop drop and roll!
jerry
October 12th, 2011
9:49 am
What has letting Koenen go have anything to do with MM and the offense? Seems to me that would hurt the defense more.
Too tough
October 12th, 2011
9:54 am
HEy one more thing…to let Dom Capers out smart you MM…LOL
Blank Stare
October 12th, 2011
9:59 am
You don’t have to study film to know numbers don’t lie. He takes no responsibilty for the bad play calling. Same formation and same plays =vanilla offense.
78Dawg
October 12th, 2011
10:10 am
Mularkey does own the issue now, but the issue was caused by the poor decision making of Tom Dimitroff. HE let Dahl get away. That is the most important reason we have on offense. It all starts with the O line and T.D. killed the chemistry and play of the O line. Just look at his draft picks. Peria Jerry? A bust. Meriweather just now starting to pick up his game. We gave up way too much for Julio.
Basically no draft next year.(which looks to be a top 10). drafted a punter who is awful, and there are more. Mr. Blank it’s time to get over your honeymoon with this guy, He is in over his head.
phil
October 12th, 2011
10:17 am
What you say is true, but that is only part of the problem. The other part is the lack of defense. Van Gorder HAS to fix this sorry defense too. This defense is way to easy to move the ball on and gives up big chunks of yardage at a time. It is way too easy to score on, complete passes on, convert third downs. I am not sure if it is Van Gorder who is the problem or if it is Mike Smith’s defense but whichever, it is pathetic.
mularkey Rules
October 12th, 2011
10:23 am
don’t worry–mularkey has a plan–he’s reviewing the film and will make the needed changes. he knows his stuff.
Gatorzone
October 12th, 2011
10:25 am
Turner needs to lose 30 lbs!
Mularkey needs to be Fired immediately!
Falcons needs to get rid of Kelly and pickup ANYONE to play o line!
Dump the punter and pick up Turk from Jax…
OPEN YOUR EYES
October 12th, 2011
10:28 am
I WANT EVERYBODY TO GO ON ATLANTA FALCONS WEBSITE AND LISTEN TO THIS SORRY MAN’S EXCUSE FOR WHY WE LOSS!!!!!!!!!!
http://www.atlantafalcons.com/falconstv/?video_id=1213328697001
OPEN YOUR EYES
October 12th, 2011
10:31 am
@MULARKEY RULES- YOU ARE THE DUMBEST PERSON TO THINK THAT THIS MAN WILL MAKE “CHANGES”. MULARKEY WILL NEVER MAKE CHANGES BECAUSE HE IS THE MOST PREDICTABLE MAN ON THE PLANET!!!!!!!! YOU NEED TO “OPEN YOUR EYES”!!!!
PMC
October 12th, 2011
10:33 am
I’d rather our coaches and players just stop saying “it’s on me” afte the game. Yeah, I get it, you;re “assuming responsibilty”.
Just stop talking around the issues, and fix the freaking problems. How about EXPLAINING what we don’t understand about the game plan if we are so stupid. Generally talking down you your audience comes when you’re defending what you’re doing even though it’s clearly not working.
Football IS NOT difficult to understand. It’s blocking, tackling, catching the ball and beating your man. Teams that win, generally win thier indivdual matchups and generally get the ball into the freaking end zone.
Stop telling me about the Pain Mularky and show me the freaking BABY!
Jimmy Crack
October 12th, 2011
10:34 am
NEWS ALERT!!! Turner up the middle.
BREAKING NEWS!!! TURNER HAS BEEN REPLACED BY SNELLING!!! Snelling up the middle.
SHOCKING NEWS!!! JACQUIZZ GETS PLAYING TIME!!! Jacquizz up the middle.