Short takes: Newton and Panthers’ line dominate Falcons
Cam Newton blasts off for a 72-yard touchdown run, giving Panthers a 23-0 lead. (AP photo)
I’ll be back shortly with my column off of the Falcons’ game against Carolina today. Until then here are my three short takes on the game.
1. Defensive front dominated: The Falcons saw Carolina score on its first five possessions of the game (taking a 23-0 lead) and were just fortunate that the Panthers converted only two of those drives into touchdowns. Cam Newton was efficient and the Panthers ran the ball effectively. But the biggest reason for the early success was that the Falcons’ defensive front got dominated by Carolina’s offensive line. It didn’t help that defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux left in the second quarter with what was announced as a ribs injury. But it wasn’t all about Babineaux. This game belonged to the Panthers’ line, as well as … (see No. 2).
2. Cam Newton shows his upside: For all the criticism from “anonymous players” and “unnamed sources” about his maturity issues, Newton’s physical talents were on full display. He completed his first eight pass attempts. He threw for 178 yards in the first half on 17-of-25 passing. He had a 21-yard scramble in which he spun the Falcons’ Corey Peters in a 360 and a 72-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. It’s like he was back at Auburn again. For the game, Newton finished with 235 yards passing and two touchdowns and he rushed for another 118 yards and a touchdown. So that should quiet everybody for a while.
3. No running game… again: It’s not the only reason they lost the game. But the Falcons again failed to establish a running game, which is an increasingly bad sign in the first week of December. Jacquizz Rodgers (4 for 21) and Michael Turner (7 for 14) combined for only 35 yards rushing. When that happens, it allows opposing defensive linemen to ignore defending the run and enables them to tee off on the quarterback. Matt was sacked only twice but often pressured.
By Jeff Schultz
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219 comments Add your comment
kerryb
December 9th, 2012
4:31 pm
elephanthead
December 9th, 2012
4:28 pm
Kerryb
Yes, we are 11-2 and I’m glad. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve been a fan since 66. But I have to point out what should be obvious here. The record is great, but do you see these guys going up against quality opponents in the playoffs and preforming like that? It’s too depressing…
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I think the Falcons will be more up for playing the Giants, Packers, or 49ers. Hard to get up playing a 3-9 team and you’re holding guys out. This wasn’t a playoff game.
rm
December 9th, 2012
4:32 pm
Cant run. Cant stop the run. Cant get off the field on 3rd downs. Cant protect the qb when it counts. We are trending in the wrong way. 3 weeks to fix it but we wont go far in the playoffs if we don’t. Falcons have to toughen up. Playing soft right now. If Babs is seriously hurt we are in trouble.
Falcon Flap
December 9th, 2012
4:32 pm
After the Georgia loss in SECCG, this is a breeze to deal with. I have been so emotionally involved in our local sports teams for so long that I can’t do it anymore.Maybe one of our teams will surprise us one day. But until then, oh well.
Jason
December 9th, 2012
4:32 pm
You can’t make this Shyt up! The Falcons are not great!
Jason
December 9th, 2012
4:34 pm
Check this out…vs the top two QBs we’ve played this year (Manning, Brees) we have 8 picks. That’s an average of 4 on each QB. We picked Brees off 5 times and Manning 3. Both at home. If we get home field, our defense will perform.
kerryb
December 9th, 2012
4:34 pm
Jason, name me one great team in the NFC or in the NFL this year.
Georgia Dome has roaches
December 9th, 2012
4:36 pm
5150 UOAD
December 9th, 2012
4:31 pm
The So RESPECTED SF 49ers and getting picked apart on D and getting shutdown on O.
Misery loves company…the Niners didn’t whip you, the 3-9 Panthers did!!!
tony
December 9th, 2012
4:37 pm
Running back Jonathan Stewart, wide receiver Brandon LaFell, strong side linebacker James Anderson and defensive tackle Dwan Edwards did not play for the Panthers. That’s 4 starters out for the Panthers.
Dimitroff need to sign Sebastian Vollmer-OT, Branden Albert-OT and Glenn Dorsey-DT this offseason because he doesn’t draft good OLs/DLs. He also need to draft that Alabama bruiser Eddie Lacy-rb.
Falcon Flap
December 9th, 2012
4:37 pm
You cant get emotionally involved in our teams anymore. Doesn’t mean you cant watch or support them. You just know what to expect and dont have to get your hopes up.
kerryb
December 9th, 2012
4:37 pm
Eli Manning just threw a pick six on the Saints 30 yard line. Yea, the Giants are a great team.
Ted M
December 9th, 2012
4:39 pm
Its games like this that Falcons fans who are skeptics are worried about…all these close wins can expose a team in the playoffs. Sure the Giants and Packers have had bad games but they have proved themselves in the PO’s the Falcons have not. Its not just “one game” its the Falcons entire history…its games this season that they probably should not have won…its lacking fundamental aspects of the game for most of the season like being able to run the ball and stop the run.
5150 UOAD
December 9th, 2012
4:39 pm
tony……………and just HOW do you expect to do that with our money and draft picks? Your Crazy and think we can spend like Democrats.
Get Real
December 9th, 2012
4:39 pm
All you alarmist can chill out. The kitties and aunts are done for the year. I’m glad this happened now instead of the first round at the dome. A little embarrassment goes a long way to get in the SB!
Furman Bitcher
December 9th, 2012
4:39 pm
This is the freakin NFL. Anybody can win on any given Sunday. My god chill the hell out folks. Falcons let this one get away from them too early and the way the clock runs it is very difficult to come back from 23 down and throw the ball every down. If the Falcons go and beat the Giants next week everything will be on track. And to the panther fan that said his team was better, come on man. Stop being silly. 11-2 is 11-2 and you have to beat the teams on the field.
steve brown
December 9th, 2012
4:39 pm
I’ll take Lacy or Gurley over our running backs right now.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 9th, 2012
4:39 pm
To all the CHOKE Loser supporters, here are some numbers to chew on while you dry your eyes:
7 Picks in the last 3 games.
14 Picks for the season.
2 picks shy from leading the entire NFL.
60 Picks in 75 regular season games.
Yes, that’s your MVP…………..
HA HA
JSS
December 9th, 2012
4:40 pm
“I don’t thing the Packers dominated their division in 2010. Matter of fact I believe they barely won their last game against the Bears by 2 points to even make the playoffs that year and they won the SB.”
A number of falsehoods there, the 2010 Packers were 4-2 in the NFC North. Their two losses to the Lions (without Rodgers KO’d in 1st qtr) and at Chicago were by 4 and 3 points. They won at Lambeau on the final day 10-3 and held the Bears to 227 total yards…
5150 UOAD
December 9th, 2012
4:40 pm
NY Giants with a kickoff return for a TD……….all tied.
kerryb
December 9th, 2012
4:42 pm
Choke, I’m not crying. We’re 11-2 and division winners. It’s funny how you only make it on the blog when the Falcons are losing or have lost. Any other time you have no *alls to show up on here.
Georgia Dome has roaches
December 9th, 2012
4:42 pm
2 game losing skid started today ladies…you rested Yosemite Samuel, what will be the excuse next week?
Ted M
December 9th, 2012
4:43 pm
At least Matt Ryan is playing great and its a passing league now.
kerryb
December 9th, 2012
4:43 pm
JSS
December 9th, 2012
4:40 pm
“I don’t thing the Packers dominated their division in 2010. Matter of fact I believe they barely won their last game against the Bears by 2 points to even make the playoffs that year and they won the SB.”
A number of falsehoods there, the 2010 Packers were 4-2 in the NFC North. Their two losses to the Lions (without Rodgers KO’d in 1st qtr) and at Chicago were by 4 and 3 points. They won at Lambeau on the final day 10-3 and held the Bears to 227 total yards…
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So, when the Falcons beat the Bucs at home in the last game of the season they will be 4-2 in the Division.
Iluvnutella
December 9th, 2012
4:43 pm
I know this is the AJC, but there is ONE team playing for a National Championship in Ga….and it aint mythical. The Mighty Blazers of Valdosta State…..u boys in pigtown (aka Athens) tune in on saturday to see how its done. Maybe Richt can pick up some pointers.
kerryb
December 9th, 2012
4:44 pm
Georgia Dome has roaches
December 9th, 2012
4:42 pm
2 game losing skid started today ladies…you rested Yosemite Samuel, what will be the excuse next week?
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I bet there’s cock roaches in your mobile home.
Great Falconi
December 9th, 2012
4:45 pm
The only thing that was established in the first half is the fact that the Falcons were not ready to play this week. The second half looked a little better, but the defense that bent and barely kept the team alive at halftime broke twice (once in the third, once in the fourth). Just a poor effort all around.
Furman Bitcher
December 9th, 2012
4:45 pm
Hey “Choke” clown, why do you come on this board? Ryan actually had a pretty good game in the second half. The pick was a garbage pick on 4th down. So loser go find your teams board and spout your BS.
C/ATT YDS AVG TD INT SACKS RTG
M. Ryan 34/49 342 7.0 2 1 2-15 94.1
kerryb
December 9th, 2012
4:46 pm
Iluvnutella
December 9th, 2012
4:43 pm
I know this is the AJC, but there is ONE team playing for a National Championship in Ga….and it aint mythical. The Mighty Blazers of Valdosta State…..u boys in pigtown (aka Athens) tune in on saturday to see how its done. Maybe Richt can pick up some pointers.
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What division are they in? The one just above high school level?
5150 UOAD
December 9th, 2012
4:46 pm
Still Ain’t Skeered………….
Dean
December 9th, 2012
4:46 pm
Sorry — I have been a huge Falcons fan (only) since I moved here in ‘81. We have our best teams since Reeves was coaching, but we’re going nowhere. Both of our lines are undersized. The guys who ARE big are fat. Our premiere back is pokey at hitting openings and has poor peripheral vision. Matt Ryan has peaked and Cam Newton is already far better with a huge upside. Ryan is inaccurate under pressure and looks his receiver the whole route. Our offensive coaching is still missing the boat: 3 and 12, you try to pass further down the field than your own backfield. I’m thankful we are in the mix and that we have a good team, but I’m more frustrated than ever because I don’t see the path to a big improvement. Much as I want things to change, much as I love the Falcons, a REALLY good team will decimate them in the playoffs, just as Green Bay and the Giants did. Crap!
AU Liberal in ATL
December 9th, 2012
4:46 pm
Cam’s just getting payback for all the nasty comments made about him a couple of years ago by jerks from Atlanta. He’s a great QB and he proved it again today. I’m a Falons fan, but I gotta say War Eagle!
falconsrus
December 9th, 2012
4:47 pm
“Cherk” is not
Definition of reticent (adj)
bing.com · Bing Dictionary
ret·i·cent [ réttiss'nt ] reserved: unwilling to communicate very much, talk freely, or reveal all the facts about something
reluctant: unwilling to do something
kerryb
December 9th, 2012
4:48 pm
Great Falconi
December 9th, 2012
4:45 pm
The only thing that was established in the first half is the fact that the Falcons were not ready to play this week. The second half looked a little better, but the defense that bent and barely kept the team alive at halftime broke twice (once in the third, once in the fourth). Just a poor effort all around.
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Like it’s been said already. The Falcons were missing half their secondary which included their best cove corner and their best safety.
Strange Murphy
December 9th, 2012
4:48 pm
One and done in the playoffs again! This team has no heart. Atlanta, city of losers!
5150 UOAD
December 9th, 2012
4:48 pm
Saints FUMBLE GIANTS ball. 1 pass and in the Red Zone.
Iluvnutella
December 9th, 2012
4:48 pm
@kerryb
ask ur mom…shes a BIG fan.
Furman Bitcher
December 9th, 2012
4:49 pm
11-2. If I told you people before the season started that people would be bitching up a storm as this team was 11-2 you would not have believed me for a second. Get real bandwagon fools.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 9th, 2012
4:49 pm
7 picks 4 games
14 picks 11 games
60 picks 75 games
AU Liberal in ATL
December 9th, 2012
4:49 pm
On another note, how many touchdown passes have you thrown, Choke. You dumbass jerk.
kerryb
December 9th, 2012
4:50 pm
AU Liberal in ATL
December 9th, 2012
4:46 pm
Cam’s just getting payback for all the nasty comments made about him a couple of years ago by jerks from Atlanta. He’s a great QB and he proved it again today. I’m a Falons fan, but I gotta say War Eagle!
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Cam is just a pathetic immature showboat. I wanted to slap him through the TV every time he got up after a first don with that stupid pointing. When you’re 3-9 just go back to the huddle and shut up.
5150 UOAD
December 9th, 2012
4:50 pm
Valdosta St is below the NAT LINE so Who in the ATL cares?
5150 UOAD
December 9th, 2012
4:50 pm
now Ga Sou we read about cause they have won a lot of National Championships.
kerryb
December 9th, 2012
4:51 pm
Iluvnutella
December 9th, 2012
4:48 pm
@kerryb
ask ur mom…shes a BIG fan.
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That’s a really intelligent comment. That kind of comment shows a simple mind
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
December 9th, 2012
4:51 pm
Hey kerryb where are my cookies girl?
kerryb
December 9th, 2012
4:53 pm
Strange Murphy
December 9th, 2012
4:48 pm
One and done in the playoffs again! This team has no heart. Atlanta, city of losers!
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You have no brain
treaddawg
December 9th, 2012
4:53 pm
@Falcon Flap
After the Georgia loss in SECCG, this is a breeze to deal with. I have been so emotionally involved in our local sports teams for so long that I can’t do it anymore.Maybe one of our teams will surprise us one day. But until then, oh well.
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Same here, the dawg game destroyed me lol. The only time I screamed today was when laying behind my tv cabinet trying to connect my FM antenna to my receiver so I could bypass the gushing for Carolina announcers.
JSS
December 9th, 2012
4:54 pm
If you choose to assume (Tampa)… The issue was that you said the Packers were not very good in the NFC North that particular season. They also went to Foxborough and lost by 4… As a matter of none of their 6 losses were by more than 4 points the entire season… They’d shown a killer instinct at least earlier in the season winning games by 27, 28, and 38… It was a poor comparison…
Georgia
December 9th, 2012
4:54 pm
Look, the falcons lose as ugly as they win. I can’t explain the wins or the losses. Except one thing today: the panther cheerleaders went commando in the second half, and that’s just plain cheating. No team can adjust to that. Refs calls were screwy too.
TechApp fan
December 9th, 2012
4:54 pm
Panthers gave the birds a bird!
The “gave” you the first game…
Sam
December 9th, 2012
4:54 pm
What happened to Harry Douglas? I thought this was going to be his breakout year. McClain is so much better than dunta. I’m sick of watching him whiff on tackles and bit on fakes
kerryb
December 9th, 2012
4:55 pm
Dean
December 9th, 2012
4:46 pm
Sorry — I have been a huge Falcons fan (only) since I moved here in ‘81. We have our best teams since Reeves was coaching, but we’re going nowhere. Both of our lines are undersized. The guys who ARE big are fat. Our premiere back is pokey at hitting openings and has poor peripheral vision. Matt Ryan has peaked and Cam Newton is already far better with a huge upside. Ryan is inaccurate under pressure and looks his receiver the whole route. Our offensive coaching is still missing the boat: 3 and 12, you try to pass further down the field than your own backfield. I’m thankful we are in the mix and that we have a good team, but I’m more frustrated than ever because I don’t see the path to a big improvement. Much as I want things to change, much as I love the Falcons, a REALLY good team will decimate them in the playoffs, just as Green Bay and the Giants did. Crap!
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Aren’t we 11-2? I can’t tell