Falcons 6-0 but Turner is frustrated with running game (UPDATED with video)
Michael Turner found little room to run on those rare occasions when he was given ball. (AP photo)
When a team is a 6-0, every negative critique should begin and end with, “… but they’re 6-0.” Because ultimately, the record determines the standings, the playoff field and whether some climate-controlled, pass-dominating offensive Dome team is going to be forced to head for the snowdrifts of Green Bay or Chicago in January in the postseason.
So we start again by reaffirming that the Falcons are 6-0. All hail.
But anybody witnessing the last three victories, sloppy exercises over mediocre opponents Carolina, Washington and Oakland, can attest to the team’s issues going into the bye week. Need confirmation? Ask their starting running back, who has had a close-up look at probably the Falcons’ biggest failing right now: their lack of a running game.
When Turner, a relative spectator in the mistake-plagued 23-20 win over the Raiders’ Sunday, was asked about the Falcons going into the bye week “the right way,” he didn’t respond with sunshine and lollipops.
“Yeah, a win is a win,” he said. “But we’re looking at something beyond just winning right now. We’re trying to be special and special teams don’t play like that.”
Beyond Matt Ryan’s three interceptions, beyond the defense allowing the NFL’s worst rushing team to run for 149 yards, beyond an offense that was matched in touchdown production by one late-game Asante Samuel pick-six but again was rescued by the foot of Matt Bryant, the Falcons’ problems start with their inability to jam the ball down the other team’s throats.
Offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter has all of these wonderful toys to play with. It’s clear Atlanta is now a pass-first team. That’s fine. The NFL has become a pass-first league. But at some point the Falcons will need to be able to run the ball, whether it’s late in the season, and/or on the road, and/or in the playoffs
Trailing 13-10 in the third quarter, they had a first-and-goal at the Raiders’ 2-yard-line following a turnover but had to settle for a field goal. The plays: incomplete pass, Turner for 1 yard, Snelling for a 1-yard loss (from the one-foot line).
Tied at 13-all in the fourth, they had a third-and-a-foot from their 45 but opted for a passing play. Ryan misconnected with Tony Gonzalez. They punted.
Turner seems frustrated. He was held to 11 carries for 33 yards Sunday. Ryan covered half that with a 15-yard scramble. The team’s rushing total: 45 yards.
The Falcons have managed to tip-toe around this issue all season. It hasn’t gotten in the way of them winning yet, but that seems inevitable.
Ask the running back.
“I’m not sure why it’s going like this,” Turner said. “It’s great to be 6-0 and everything. But we can’t just assume we’re always going to be able to get an interception or a last-minute field goal every time. At some point we’re going to have to run the ball. We’ve got to be able to knock it in [the endzone].”
Turner’s runs by quarters: two for 12 yards, three for 12, three for minus-one, three for 10.
Some of this lack of production is on him. He looks slow at times.
Some of it is on the offensive line. It generally has been far better at pass protection this season than opening holes or getting any push. (It wasn’t good at either Sunday.)
Has Turner lost confidence?
“No. I’m still here. I’ve never lost confidence.”
Have the Falcons lost confidence in Turner or their ability to run the ball at all?
“You would have to ask them that. That’s not something they would tell me. It’s their team, their scheme, their offense. I’m just here to try to help them win.”
Coach Mike Smith conceded the running game isn’t where he would like it to be. He referenced the first-and-goal drive, saying: “I know the next question is going to be when you’ve got the ball on the 1½-yard line, do you feel like you have to get it in there? Yes. The goal of our football team is real simple. It’s to score points and to score points any way that we can.”
They managed just enough again. They have won their last three games by two, seven and three points on drives with :05 (field goal), 2:46 (touchdown) and :01 (field goal) left. That makes them 6-0. But they’re playing a dangerous game.
By Jeff Schultz-
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327 comments Add your comment
flagger
October 15th, 2012
8:56 am
It is not only Turner. its Rodgers and Snelling.. they all suck!!!!
Ivan
October 15th, 2012
8:58 am
“Please NO MORE comparisions to UGA football. College and Pro football are 2 different animals.”
Darn right there’s no comparison to UGA football. Richt is too busy telling his team there’s more important things than winning their football games. Meanwhile, Smith is setting a franchise record on wins.
Senior Falcon
October 15th, 2012
9:05 am
You can say Turner is slow at hitting the hole if you want but are Rogers and Snelling slow,too? The fact is that the o line and fullback are not opening any holes. Look to where the problem really is and don’t blame it on whatever or whoever is convenient.
Falcon Fan Tewilli33
October 15th, 2012
9:10 am
Yes theFalcons are 6-0, but there are definitely some fixes that need to be done. We need a pass rush from more than just 34 year old John Abraham. The defense needs to sure up against the run, and the corners are still playing to soft. The lack of a running game is due to the fact Turner is tip toeing to the line and the brief holes they open for him. Rodgers isn’t that much better. Give Snelling the start and let him run with passion and conviction like he does. In the upcoming draft our focus needs to be TB, DE, CB, TE, LB in that order.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
October 15th, 2012
9:19 am
wg
October 14th, 2012
10:35 pm
Never have understood Choke’s irrational obsessive hatred of Matt Ryan. I honestly don’t know anyone like you who hates, despises, disparages, and disrespects someone like you do Matt Ryan. What is up with you, dude?
________________________________________________________
Go back and read the blogs from 2001 – 2007.
You will see what motivates me.
Meanwhile all the talk shows and sports channels are laughing at
your FRAUD 6-0 team…..
The most NON RELEVENT 6-0 team in NFL History……………..
HA HA
Jake
October 15th, 2012
9:27 am
Yes there were plenty of poblems, but 90% goes to the O Line, both on run blocking and pass protection. Turner has never been a Gale Sayers look alike coming out of the backfield, but nobody runs through non existent holes blocked two and three holes wide. And Matt took a pounding today. Way too many hits and hurried passes.
Grounded
October 15th, 2012
9:35 am
Shades of last year’s [layoff loss to the NY Giants – We can’t get a yard on the ground when we need it. First and goal from the two results in a field goal. That is not championship caliber football and Turner is not a championship caliber back. He has lost more than a step and he has no peripheral vision, doesn’t even look for a hole, runs right into the back of his O-line. If we do not address the running game we will once again exit in the early rounds of the playoffs.
Jeff
October 15th, 2012
9:46 am
Turner is too slow, Quizz couldn’t find a hole to save his life and the O line can only pass block. It’s great we’re 6-0, but one dimensional teams rarely win the big ones. Be prepared for another disappointing end to a season if the Falcons can’t find a way to better control the line of scrimmage.
Mike "CHOKE" Dogs To Death
October 15th, 2012
9:54 am
Go back and read the NEWS from 2007.
You will see what motivates me.
Meanwhile all the boys in the barbershops and the pool halls are laughing at
your CHOKING 3-3 team…..
The most NON RELEVENT [sic] convicted felon in NFL History……………..
HA HA
tonyb
October 15th, 2012
9:55 am
First things first, we are 6-0. The NFL is a very difficult league, every team has players and coaching, so I am very happy with the start.
Saying that, there is no doubt in my mind its the line. If the Falcons have one glaring weak spot on this team, its the O line. The pass protection has been good, thats is up to the Carolina and Oakland game. Just not creating holes in the run game. This is, in part, a result of an organizational failure since 2008 to use high draft picks for the O line. Saying that, this is just mid October. Hopefully the line will improve as the season progresses and by playoff time, the blocking improves.
DawgNole
October 15th, 2012
9:58 am
Answer This
October 14th, 2012
10:46 pm
Here is real irony….guys like Phil….dawgnole…you guys are like Turner….not satisfied to win and be 6-0….you greedy and want more…
______________________
You still don’t get it, and as phil and JSS advised me, you obviously never will. I’m very satisfied with 6-0–pleasantly surprised and delighted even. I’ve said it already, and I’ve been a fan longer than you have. So keep me out of your demented, whining rants.
AU Ray
October 15th, 2012
9:59 am
Offensive tackles will be the downfall of this team’s goal of winning a Super Bowl. #72 and #77 cannot get any push and will be whipped by most pass rushing DE’s. Don’t believe, go back and watch any game and it’s all there to see. Film don’t lie and there’s no where for them two to hide.
Mike "CHOKE" Dogs To Death
October 15th, 2012
10:01 am
Despite a poor offensive line and a poor running game, the undefeated Matt CLUTCH Ryan has masterminded three improbable, last-minute, come-from-behind wins in a row, through sheer determination, strength of character and good, old-fashioned leadership.
Meanwhile Mike Vick, who has lazily and stupidly squandered his God-given talents, despite being surrounded by incredibly talented teammates, continues to melt down, choke and fumble away fourth quarter leads, because he is a stupid, lazy loser.
The good news is, no animals were harmed in the making of this NFL story (at least, as far as we know).
HA HA
DawgNole
October 15th, 2012
10:03 am
Thomas Brown 5 yrs of losing . . .
October 15th, 2012
12:24 am
Florida is losing 4 games 2012 including both of the next 2 weeks.
Florida gets Deflowered for the 1st of 4 Losses 2012
________________________
Yeah, I see you’ve now modified your original proclamation that fla would “lose four or five games in 2012.” Thought you’d slip that one in there undetected, didn’t you, you lying, worthless POS.
Dan A
October 15th, 2012
10:12 am
It is concerning, we have a power running back and need a yard or less, so lets runn a halfback toss or end around. We should be driving it up the middle. The couches need to get back and work on the basics just like the players.
Go Falcons! 6-0
Ted M
October 15th, 2012
10:16 am
Well said Jeff. I agree completely.
jhughes
October 15th, 2012
10:18 am
CHOKE i get that you think mike vick got the same criticism your giving matt ryan when he was here, and MV did to some extent, but come on now. it is really getting ridiculous and your only making yourself look foolish. I mean at least a couple years ago you had a couple of facts to work with now you only have one and as soon as somebody points out MVs flaws you are gone or ignore them. dude just grow up if philly wins talk some trash but give this whole Choke thing up its time to move on
Oats Willey
October 15th, 2012
10:19 am
You know………..
Mike "CHOKE" Dogs To Death
October 15th, 2012
10:19 am
Face it, Choke. Matt Ryan is getting better and better every year, because he studies and works hard. He will win a Super Bowl eventually. Already, if he had a better right tackle and a power running back, he would be unstoppable; but even with those liabilities, he remains undefeated.
Mike could have been an elite player. As a Falcon, he was the fastest player in the NFL, and had perhaps the strongest arm in the league. But instead of watching game film and reading the playbook, he wasted his time murdering pets and gambling with his posse of stupid thug friends. And for that, he went to the federal pen for two years. He is no longer the fastest runner or strongest passer. He is washed up. He will never be elite.
HA HA
Larry
October 15th, 2012
10:20 am
Dan A,
The Falcons have been struggling to make just one yard for 1.5 seasons now. This was given great priorty after the Giants playoff loss. Something is very wrong and they haven’t been able to fix it.
I’d like to try Kontz at center as McClure is very small by NFL standards.
Larry Bevine
October 15th, 2012
10:26 am
You have to give them credit being 6-0. Now doubt about it. The fact down the stretch is they’ll have to start running the ball. Especially on the road and playing outdoors. I’d be pissed too if I was Turner. After all it’s arguably his last year to shine.
That and I have him on my fantasy football team. Dang the new offensive coordinator
DawgNole
October 15th, 2012
10:39 am
Matt “CHOKE” Ryan
October 15th, 2012
9:19 am
Go back and read the NEWS from 2007.
You will see what motivates me.
______________________
It doesn’t matter what motivates you. You regularly spread lies, hatred, and thinly veiled racism on these blogs. Inexcusable–both that you do it repeatedly, and that you’re allowed to continue. What goes around comes around, and you’ll get yours eventually.
Banned by Mark Bradley
October 15th, 2012
10:39 am
But not by Schultz……
Hmmmmmmmm
No way will the Falcons finish 18 – 0. Of course we knew this long ago. Still, there are many aspects of last season creeping in to this season.
Poor tackling. These guys are professionals. Why can’t they tackle like pros?
Red zone failures. 1st and goal on the 2 yard line and they settle for a FG?
The above result from the coaching staff. Decisions and leadership.
Still….The team is undefeated.
I think back to 1986 when the Falcons started 4 – 0…..Then fell apart. This team has had 3 chances to lose and somehow, they won. They have a week off to reflect and rework on the failures that so far have not hurt. Everything that has gone wrong can be fixed.
TN Dawg
October 15th, 2012
10:42 am
Turner has to take some of this on himself. McFadden was running much harder and faster than Turner. I would have loved to hear him say what he could have done better to improve the running game.
Mark
October 15th, 2012
10:45 am
Despite 6-0, this is a team with serious issues. The biggest problem on offense isn’t the running backs, it’s the offensive line. Remember the six sacks? Now, this week, no holes for Turner. If the Falcons could dominate the O line, they’d be just fine. On defense, they have to close the deal on 3rd long. Right now, 3 long is exactly where the opposition wants us. Whether it is a draw, a screen pass, or a pass down the middle, each week the opposition seems to get it done. The defense needs a killer instinct to finish the job, not play soft.
5150 UOAD
October 15th, 2012
10:48 am
Banned by Mark Bradley…………………………..Has to be one of the GREAT blog Names of all time.
My blog name would be(if it were not too long)…………………………..Put in Timeout by Ken Suguira,Filtered by Mark Bradley, Banned by Bill King, Chip Towers & only slightly loved by Jeff Schultz.
hottrod
October 15th, 2012
10:55 am
“But we’re looking at something beyond just winning right now. We’re trying to be special and special teams don’t play like that.”.. Truth . A win is a win no matter how you got it . Falcons got 6 wins, BUT the defense once again has out performed the offense. Look at the Cardinals-Nats in baseball. Nats had the best record while Cardinal limped in and knocked them out.GO back to the Braves in 2010 and how they were 1st in May 31st only to end up as wildcards in October 3. It’s the momentum that matter and falcons must maintain it to win a playoff game.
hottrod
October 15th, 2012
10:57 am
Most of the Falcons points are on turnovers by the defense… How is this different from a team that relied on defense last year and got 2 points.. Matt Ryan had 3 picks yesterday. Over threw the ball several times.
jhughes
October 15th, 2012
10:58 am
CHOKE i get that you think Mike Vick got the same treatment your giving Matt Ryan while he was here and MV did get some undue hate at times but come on now this CHOKE stuff is getting ridiculous. grow up and move on.
DawgNole
October 15th, 2012
10:58 am
5150 UOAD
October 15th, 2012
10:48 am
Banned by Mark Bradley…………………………..Has to be one of the GREAT blog Names of all time.
My blog name would be(if it were not too long)…………………………..Put in Timeout by Ken Suguira,Filtered by Mark Bradley, Banned by Bill King, Chip Towers & only slightly loved by Jeff Schultz.
_____________________
Your new blog name almost became “Banned by Shultz” yesterday.
jb
October 15th, 2012
11:00 am
CHOKE i get that you think Mike Vick got the same treatment your giving Matt Ryan while he was here and that MV did get some undue hate at times but come on now this CHOKE stuff is getting ridiculous. grow up and move on.
hottrod
October 15th, 2012
11:00 am
Last 2 game to non winning teams came down to a last minute clutch play… when earlier we were dominating our opponents. Are they getting worn down with trying to keep a perfect record when we’ve already established a lead over most of the NFC.
tyo44
October 15th, 2012
11:07 am
I like Turner, however, he is not getting the job done. I dont know if he has gained wt. and that has slowed him down, or he just aint got it no more. He looks to me like he tippy toes around…not acceptable…need speed and power…he is lacking speed, needs to be used differently… I think Snelling would be better at this point.
Jeffro Bodeen
October 15th, 2012
11:10 am
Turner is disappointed in his run game???? ……. Well now there’s a big example of self awareness! Ever since he found Andrew Jones ass from his last year as a Brave, he’s been running in concrete.
air of mendacity
October 15th, 2012
11:17 am
Enter your comments here
air of mendacity
October 15th, 2012
11:20 am
oops – accidently sent nothing in comment section – we just have to draft a running back next year. In at least the 2nd round – and hope Quizz develops further. Turner has lost a step and it just does not bode well for any running back who has aged and lost that quick burst – the holes close awfully quickly in NFL – can’t dilly dally in the crease.
Gatorzone
October 15th, 2012
11:21 am
Are the Birds trying to leave fuel in Turner’s tank for the second half of the season and post season? that is all i can hope at this point, because they have not fed him the ball at very much at all the first 6 weeks, even with a sizable lead against KC…
This is the NFL so all teams are competetive, but it would be nice to see the Falcons put a team like the raiders away instead of playing down to their level. That become hard however when your qb has an off game, and throwing 3 pics would qualify as one of his worst…
The best drive of the game was the no huddle which begs the question, why don’t we use that more often?
All in all, we are 6-0 and it is nice asking these types of questions going into a bye week instead of how are we going to salvage a season and should we be playing for a draft pick…
Answer This
October 15th, 2012
11:21 am
You dont get it loser! You keep chirping like the bird you are! Go back to taking care of your puppies and being the whiner you are since you been around since 66! Dont address me and it does not come back….whiner since 66!
hottrod
October 15th, 2012
11:23 am
The truth is the Falcons haven’t won a playoff game like the Dream, Braves & Hawks so until they do that, it is pretty accurate to pressure them to take it to the next level. They are the one team in Atlanta whose bar is lowered to ” can’t blame Matt Ryan” or “we’re 6-0 so we’re fine”.. Teams limp the season only to take out top teams. SO until they win something it’s just another team with a good season… In 1998 they celebrated the Superbowl before even playing in the superbowl 34-19. Since drafting Matt Ryan we have made the playoffs 3/4 times missing the playoffs in 2010. Held NFC South 1 time and lost to the eventual Champs 48-21. Lost 2 Wild Card playoff games in which one went to the superbowl ( Cardinals) and one actually being the superbowl champs (Giants).In the 3 playoff appearances, our offensive production has went down 30-24, 48-21 and last year’s 24-2. Joe Johnson took the Hawks to the playoffs 5 STRAIGHT years and still didn’t get the love Ryan has. Win one playoff game then the 6-0 record would matter
Put in Timeout by Ken Suguira,Filtered by Mark Bradley, Banned by Bill King, Chip Towers & only slightly loved by Jeff Schultz.
October 15th, 2012
11:30 am
Will this name work? LOL
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
October 15th, 2012
11:37 am
Mike “CHOKE” Dogs To Death
October 15th, 2012
10:19 am
Face it, Choke. Matt Ryan is getting better and better every year
___________________________________________________
Better as in 6 picks in last 4 games?
Better as in 3 picks vs 1-4 team?
Better as in getting shutout in last playoff game?
Better as in getting blown out 72-23 in last 2 playoff games?
Better as in being 0-3 in playoff career?
Better as in being out scored 102-47 in the playoffs?
Damn if that’s better then Iraq is a better vacation spot
than Hawaii……………
HA HA
SR
October 15th, 2012
11:38 am
Turner looks slow because he is slow. Doesn’t accelerate when hitting the hole at all, both Dierdorf and Gumbel made the same observation and commented on it yesterday. The Offensive Line still sucks on run blocking, the same group that failed so miserably last year still can’t open a hole for slow poke Turner to run through and it was telling that they couldn’t get a yard yet again on the ground and had to call a pass play on third and goal. The Defensive Line meanwhile got carved up by a less than mediocre Raider team yesterday. Have not seen much of the Falcons from out here on the West Coast this year but truly mystified how this team could be 6-0. They still don’t have big, nasty studs on either O Line or D Line and thus can be manhandled by powerhouse O Lines and D Lines as they were yesterday.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
October 15th, 2012
11:46 am
DawgNole
October 15th, 2012
10:39 am
Matt “CHOKE” Ryan
October 15th, 2012
9:19 am
Go back and read the NEWS from 2007.
You will see what motivates me.
______________________
It doesn’t matter what motivates you. You regularly spread lies, hatred, and thinly veiled racism on these blogs. Inexcusable–both that you do it repeatedly, and that you’re allowed to continue. What goes around comes around, and you’ll get yours eventually.
____________________________________-
Then don’t ask the question if you don’t like the answer.
Stop acting like a prom queen and man up…..ha ha.
Show me one thing that I lied about in regards to CHOKE’s records
and statistics.
You are the same reason why CHOKE sucks. You are like a crack
dealer selling crack to a crack head…………
HA HA
DawgNole
October 15th, 2012
12:03 pm
Answer This
October 15th, 2012
11:21 am
You dont get it loser! You keep chirping like the bird you are! Go back to taking care of your puppies and being the whiner you are since you been around since 66! Dont address me and it does not come back….whiner since 66!
_____________________
What a sicko! Just like they all warned me.
Elvis the falcon fan
October 15th, 2012
12:10 pm
Okay folks….I am 50 years old…I have watched the falcons since 66 and have always been a fan no matter what…I saw the Vanbrocklin years, I saw a great team with a great coach (Leeman Bennett) get eliminated by Dallas….I saw Marion Campbell (BOTH MISERABLE TIMES) squander talent, I saw Jerry Glanville make us entertaining and yes a little competitive, I saw Dan Henning put on a clinic called “bad coaching 101″…..I saw June Jones bench Jeff George (he deserved it) I saw Dan Reeves take us to a super bowl then be summarily dumped…(did I forget Mora?) Petrino wsa a egomaniacal jackass….I am telling you that GREAT TEAMS WIN CLOSE GAMES!!! GREAT TEAMS OVERCOME MISTAKES!!! GREAT TEAMS OCCASIONALLY HAVE BAD DAYS!!! GREAT TEAMS ARE 4-2, 5-1 or 6-0 at this point of the season….did anyone really expect us to be 6-0?
Yes we need a running game…..Turner needs to quit bitching and figure out why we CHOOSE to pass rather than run, this from a guy who couldnt get 6 inches last year at home vs the saints? We are good and we will get better as the season goes along.
DawgNole
October 15th, 2012
12:13 pm
Matt “CHOKE” Ryan
October 15th, 2012
11:46 am
DawgNole
October 15th, 2012
10:39 am
It doesn’t matter what motivates you. You regularly spread lies, hatred, and thinly veiled racism on these blogs. Inexcusable–both that you do it repeatedly, and that you’re allowed to continue. What goes around comes around, and you’ll get yours eventually.
____________________________
Then don’t ask the question if you don’t like the answer.
Stop acting like a prom queen and man up…..ha ha.
Show me one thing that I lied about in regards to CHOKE’s records
and statistics.
____________________
I didn’t ask the question, liar. And it’s Vick’s accomplisments that you’ve lied about. Tell us again how he beat the Steelers two weeks ago, liar. And how bout how he led that comeback win over Detroit yesterday. Liar.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
October 15th, 2012
12:23 pm
HA HA
All the talk shows are CLOWNING the Falcants 6-0 record
and calling CHOKE a LOSER…..
HA HA
Michael M.
October 15th, 2012
12:29 pm
I rather be laughed at and called a loser sitting pretty over the rest of the NFL at 6 – 0 than be 3 – 3 or 4 – 2 and be called the dynasty of the NFL…………………….Atlanta keeps finding different ways to win their ballgames, at the end , and the playoffs anyone and everyone will have to come through the Georgia Dome to beat em and so far it hasn’t been a successful trip !……………………………………………Keep it up Falcons and congrats on the undefeated season !
Hollywould
October 15th, 2012
12:32 pm
Here comes “Choke” again. Must be an awful feeling to have the team and player you hate at the top of the heap. Of course what else can you say after your boy fumbles one, throws 2 pics, and gets sacked twice in OT. They are running him out of Philly. Hell, you can follow him as he makes the team as a Winnepeg blue bomber next year. maybe with a larger field he can move around better.
Time is going tick, tick, tick. How Many playoff games was Vick in last year?
Michael M.
October 15th, 2012
12:34 pm
just makes no sense to spend your valued time wasting it on this Choke dude……………………………he is messed up in the head apparently…………………….lmao …and I am out !