5 things the Falcons must do before they play again
Matty Ice needs to fling some longer snowballs. (AP photo)
1. Move Jamaal Anderson to defensive tackle. Again, he has supplied next to nothing in the way of a pass rush. (Except for a roughing call against Tom Brady on Sunday, which was kind of funny when you think about it. Jamaal? Roughing somebody?) But he’s pretty good against the run; if he weren’t, he wouldn’t still have a job. The center of the Falcons’ line was pushed backward in Foxborough, suggesting Thomas Johnson and Trey Lewis aren’t the answer in Peria Jerry’s absence. Could J.A. be?
2. Play Lawrence Sidbury at defensive end. This is a bye week, which means the Falcons’ coaches have time to tinker. Sidbury came hailed as the steal of the draft. Time to put him to work. The defensive line hasn’t had a sack in two games.
3. Find a role for Jerious Norwood. Michael Turner managed only 56 yards against New England and fumbled for the second time in two weeks. He’s still a big-time player, but Norwood can be big-time, too. Two weeks should give him time to heal from the head injury suffered on the opening kickoff against Carolina. This is the third different coaching staff that has paid lip service to Norwood’s talent. It’s time to Mike Mularkey and Co. to find a more frequent application.
4. Resolve to stretch the field. Matt Ryan has completed 60 passes in three games. His longest gain is 27 yards. The Falcons must find a receiver who can get downfield, and Ryan has to find him when he does.
5. Resolve to get urgent. “Urgency” is the watchword for 2009, and it could stand some sharpening. The Falcons forced four turnovers against Miami in Week 1, two against Carolina in Week 2, none on Sunday. Safety Thomas DeCoud could have intercepted a Brady pass in the end zone but didn’t. John Abraham had a hand on Brady before the quarterback stepped forward and found Chris Baker for the clinching touchdown. Too many plays went unmade. The Falcons need to make them.
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160 comments Add your comment
leland
September 28th, 2009
8:00 am
Dear Mr. MB–could it be? Your pal, Leland
Rex D
September 28th, 2009
8:06 am
Totally on-point again Mark – I was literally thinking about all of your remarks last night! The Rexster.
SirReal
September 28th, 2009
8:07 am
Well said. I agree with this article. Also, where was Gonzales all day? I saw him open numerous times. I dont know what MR2 was thinking about yesterday. Just wasn’t a good showing from the birds yesterday. There were a few bright spots but not enough to win. Yeah, move JA to DT b/c he’ll never be a pass rusher in this league. I concede it at this point. I too wondered why we have not stretched the field. When we have so far, Ryan has misfired badly. Does he really have a noodle arm as some suggest. I’m not sure but we’ll see soon enough. I wont hang the brids out to dry over one game. We have time off this week and I expect to see everyone play a bit better when we start the meat of our schedule. If they don’t, then I’ll be ready to comment further…..Oh yeah, where was Turner?
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
8:07 am
Yes, it could. Kudos!
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
8:08 am
The Patriots were bracketing Gonzalez, meaning covering with both a linebacker and a safety. That should have freed other men.
Sarcastic Blogger
September 28th, 2009
8:10 am
Leland makes me feel like I’m an idiot when I read his posts – or do I mean that he’s an idiot? I’m really not sure.
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
8:14 am
Leland’s the furthest thing from an idiot. You’ve heard about the sharpest knife in the drawer? Leland might be the sharpest knife.
TP
September 28th, 2009
8:17 am
Yes, it’s only one loss, but I can’t help but be disappointed. Mainly because of the “urgency” I didn’t see either. Personally, rather than sit through all of those 3 and out’s in the second half, I would’ve accepted the risk of throwing an interception knowing that Ryan took some chances down the field.
There was one series in particular where he through the ball out of bounds after rolling left. I mean, come on, you’re down16 points – couldn’t you at least tried to fire the ball in between defenders? I can understand if it were the first quarter or a close game. But it was neither, and the Patriots were doing whatever they wanted on offense.
I still think we win 10 games, but the lack of a healthy pass rush is going to be our downfall this year. If Abraham gets hurt, we may not ever get a sack!
Tuckerboy
September 28th, 2009
8:17 am
Was it me or did The Pats left tackle hold up John Abraham more times than the First National
Bank?????Obviously the league wants to protect pretty boy Brady. Hopefully, Matt Ryan gets the same treatment.
Bat Masterson
September 28th, 2009
8:18 am
Tough loss, but did anyone expect the Falcons to go undefeated. The game was poorly called by the officials, and that is being generous.
RDM
September 28th, 2009
8:21 am
98 should be cut! He’s lazy and takes too many plays off. Also, it looked like Abraham was getting held a bunch. On the play you mention, their lineman was pulling his jersey off.
darrell starks
September 28th, 2009
8:24 am
Bradly thanks for bring that up about jamal as we can see he is not and defense end but he is excellent against the run move him to DT and starte sidbury at DEFENSE END what do you have 2 loose changes must be made.
GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!!
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
8:24 am
Matt Light is the Patriots’ left tackle. He’s an All-Pro. Which means he’s great at holding.
darrell starks
September 28th, 2009
8:29 am
And please no more sorry a$$ CHRIS HOUSTON i hope ty hill will be ready against 49 niners.
GO FALCONS!!!!!!!!!
NCFalconFan
September 28th, 2009
8:32 am
Bradley, what are your thoughts on our Defensive Coordinator? When Smith was hired I envisioned a “Jacksonville like Defense”. Boy was I wrong. I like Smith’s approach of allowing his staff to take charge, but do you see a change there? Smith being more involved with the defense?
T Rock
September 28th, 2009
8:37 am
Did Abraham get held on that last touchdown pass??? Are you kidding me. He had his hand on Brady but was being slow danced by the offensive tackle. That was the most inept officiating crew I have seen since I startedwatching the Falcons in 1966. The Patriots beat us but come on – you have a better chance of getting a call when playing Satan at home in Hell then playing the Patriots in New England!! The refs didn’t beat us but it looked like the NBA, don’t touch Jordan, I mean Brady or Moss.
mountain_jim
September 28th, 2009
8:45 am
Van Gorder learned nothing from the Jet’s attack, and his defensive scheme was a joke pressuring Brady.
Mularky’s game plan was his worst, least imaginative as a Falcon.
Smith punted with 7 minutes left on 4th and 7 down 16, talk about a concession speech. That really ticked me off. We had only one stop all half, and he punts it back?
Worst performance by coaching staff since Quitrino. That’s the first thing they half to fix. Get agressive. Quit relying on a run-based O which no longer works, though they do need to figure out why that is.
Playing not to lose
September 28th, 2009
8:45 am
Patriots kept Falcons in the game but Atlanta played conservative lackluster game. Shouldn’t underdog play aggressively?? If Brady was on, Falcons lose by 35 easy. Pats doing two 4th down conversions in one drive was a slap in the face. When it was Falcons turn to go for a 4th down with 7 mins left, Falcons punt. That was a ridiculous decision.
EDGE
September 28th, 2009
8:46 am
I don’t want to play the what if game, but straight up: if Turner hadn’t of fumbled the ball when we were driving at the end of the half, it would have been a totally different game! I think we score a touchdown there and would have broke the will of the Pats. Brady was already frustrated and using very colorful language on the sideline. A touchdown there would have made them meltdown. I know they say one play doesn’t make a game, but i truly believe one play can change the emotion, motivation, and will of a team. Atl was flat after that fumble!
Anderson
September 28th, 2009
8:48 am
Good points MB!! You are right about Jamal Anderson. His play against the run is why he is still in the starting line-up. He is 6′5 and close to 300 pounds. Maybe inside as a tackle is where he is suited best.
The offense is nowhere near being where they are capable. Michael Turner is avg. 3.5 yard per carry and fumbling. Jerious Norwood has been slowed by injuries and Roddy White is not making big plays. The coaches might want to devise some potentially explosive plays(slants,skinny posts,etc.) for WR Michael Jenkins. He is a better receiver than he is credited for being.
I was disappointed with the conservative play-calling yesterday. I thought they pulled a page out of Lane Kiffin’s playbook when Tenn. played Florida. I don’t understand why they didn’t go for it on fourth down a couple of times. Especially the 4th and 5 when they were at NE’s 38.
The linebacking corps looks to be the strength of the defense. The safety play has been pretty decent. Though Thomas Decoud missed on two good chances for interceptions.
I think the Falcons will be fine. I think they will beat SF on the road and Chicago at home. I’m still predicting a 11-5 record for them this season.
Hercule Poirot
September 28th, 2009
8:54 am
Ah, leland, another triumph to cherish forever!
On the issue of the Falcons, I believe you, Mr. Bradley, have made some very astute points. I offer another … perhaps some seven-inch cleats for Mr. Grimes would make it possible for him to actually make plays rather than watching receivers catch passes way above his head.
FALCONS SORRY
September 28th, 2009
9:00 am
I TOLD YOU WHEN MATTY HOPELESS PLAY A BIG GAME HE WETS THE BED ! HE CAN’T STRETCH THE FIELD CAUSE THAT NOODLE ARM THE FOOTBALL WOBBLE LIKE A DUCK
AND GET INTERCEPTED EVERY TIME!TAKE NOTES ATL DEC 6 THE DAY VICK CRACKS YOUR DOME! FIRST IT WAS DEON SANDERS WHO SAID THIS IS MY HOUSE NOW IT WILL BE #7 THE GREATEST QB TO EVER PLAY IN ATL WHO SAY THIS IS MY HOUSE
Jonnyboy
September 28th, 2009
9:01 am
Coaches need to step it up, The corners are horrible and Decloud needs 1,000 reps from the pitching machine to learn how to catch the football. That missed interception was very big. Come on guys your professionals you get paid to intercept the ball. So do it.
Now having said that I do believe the loss was a true team effort.
PMC
September 28th, 2009
9:02 am
6. Teach Thomas Decoup how to catch. He should be in front of the juggs gun for 2 weeks. Roddy White style tennis ball gloves.
Gritblitzer
September 28th, 2009
9:05 am
Enter your comments here
You’re spot on with all of your comments Mark, but I would add one more. The game planning by the coordinators (on both sides of the ball) has to become both more creative and more fluid within the games in order for this team to progress. VanGorder chose for this defense to “die by a thousand cuts” yesterday rather than at least attempt to dial up some exotic blitzes and/or different looks to try and at least rattle Brady. Brady had time to catch up on some light reading back there. Mularkey had a poor game too. With the shell coverage on Gonzalez all day there should have been some open routes for White and Booker both in the seams and down the sidelines all day.
If you play “not to lose” and to keep it close against the elite teams in the NFL you will lose every Sunday against those same teams.
NCFalconFan
September 28th, 2009
9:05 am
FALCONS SORRY… You are an IDIOT!!!
Elvisinthehouse
September 28th, 2009
9:07 am
Just like i thought,here comes all the excuses from the bird fans.The birds lost fare and square,they just went up against a better team.Until the falcons start playing D or pick up winners on D,THEY WILL GET THE SAME RESULTS AGAINST GOOD TEAMS.The pats had you falcon fans fooled,and i guess the falcons did too.Like i said before,whats the use of having a good offense when you can’t stop nobody on D-fence.The pats aint miami or carolina.Gonzalez got shut down and abe got shut down.Now the other teams can see if you shut down there best player on offence and there best player on D-fence,there NOTHING.THEY ARE WHO WE THOUGHT THEY WHERE!
Jonnyboy
September 28th, 2009
9:08 am
Falcons Sorry,
A newsflash for you. Vick was a great athlete but was know where near a quarterback let alone the greatest ever to play ATL.
I will agree with MR being tentative when playing big time games.
SWAMI
September 28th, 2009
9:08 am
Where to begin.
I predicted a 8-8 season for the birds. Still looks good to me.
I predicted that Roddy Whites case of the dropsies were just in remmission last year. They are back.
Matty Ice is at best an average long ball thrower, and that aspect of his game will never change.The O line gave him plenty of time. Tony G. was open on many occassions but Matty had his mind made up yo go elsewhere.
If you had told me before the game that the birds would not blitz on every other play, I would have predited a 40 point victory for NE. If the Pats receivers had been half-way decent it would have been a 40 pt victory. BVG is waaaay too conservative and is too stubborn or too dumb to make in-game adjustments. True that our dbacks get torched often in 1-on-1 coverage, but giving Brady all day to throw is just giving the game away.
Mike Mularkey is well aware of Ryan’s shortcomings and calls plays accordingly (very few longballs). Quick screens or reverses to R. White will NEVER work. He is not that kind of a runner. He is OK at full speed but is incapable of making a defender miss in close quarters.
Mike Peterson was exposed as being old and slow. He is still better than that guy on Dallas. Nicholas is young and slow.
We all know about the dbacks…ptooooie
Mike Smith has no cajones. He knows the quality of his team is somewhat lacking and is resigned to a mediocre middle of the road season. He is playing to survive and possibly get lucky, not to win. He is not a risk-taker and never will be. It is not his nature. Playing conservatively will get you exactly what we are getting; hangin in there with mediocre teams with a chance to get lucky and getting beat by goood teams.
It is what it is, EIGHT AND EIGHT!!!!
PS. It seems that the refs are getting worse and worse. There must be MORE and IMMEDIATE accountability for them.
David
September 28th, 2009
9:09 am
Thing we have to do:
-Roddy White is being paid like a big time receiver. It’s time he starts acting like one. Make big plays, get touchdowns, earn your paycheck.
-Like Mark said: Attack down field. I can’t imagine the loss of Harry Douglas has rendered us useless in downfield attacks. Mularkey needs to open the playbook, or any defense will be able to Cover 2 us to death.
-Michael Turner needs to stop tip-toeing around the line of scrimmage. Get the ball and run forward. Too much dancing around waiting for holes to open up isn’t helping him out any.
-Can someone other than John Abraham please come to the Falcons next game? The defensive line is absolutely atrocious. For all the people whining about Houston and the secondary, I’ll tell you this: You could have Namdi Asamauogh (spelling?), and Darelle Revis as your corners, Ed Reed as your FS, and Troy Polomalu as your SS… it wouldn’t matter with the time we give them to throw. If a DT can’t stop the run, and ends can’t put pressure on the quarterback, it’s going to be a long year on defense.
-Someone on the defensive line, please show up. Did I already say that? Our season hinges on if our defense gets more pressure, plain and simple. Teams will start doubling Abe every single down; and as Mark said, move Jamaal Anderson to the DT spot. (PS: Went back through the draft…. we passed on Pat Willis to get him. That just hurts.)
bugman
September 28th, 2009
9:12 am
I can add a 6th:
Scheme to your strengths.
I was dumbfounded watching both units totally in awe of being in electric shaver stadium. That screams preparation, of which it was apparent the Falcons staff blew it.
Poorly devised rush for the pass (anyone see a stunt all day? Bueller?).
Sporadic blitzes.
ZERO intensity.
I don’t believe NE won yesterday, I’m certain the Berdz lost.
David
September 28th, 2009
9:14 am
Mark,
Your feeling on the play where they said Ryan fumble. You’ve watched a lot more football than me. I’m 26, though, have been watching football since I was kid, but have had a very firm grasp on football since about the time I was 13 or 14. In those 12 or 13 years, I’m sure I’ve ever seen a worse call in my life. I was absolutely amazed that five different refs couldn’t spot that Ryan threw the ball.
At what point are you Roger Goddell looking at your officiating crews, and you simply ask them, “How in the heck did you miss that?”
I’d be concerned if I put the same five guys out there next week, having missed a play that everyone on TV, everyone in the stands, everyone on the sidelines and everyone in the booth saw very clearly.
Gritblitzer
September 28th, 2009
9:15 am
FALCONS SORRY huh?
I’m sorry that your parents ever met.
Jonnyboy
September 28th, 2009
9:15 am
Elivis quit screaming we can hear you. Who is making excuses? Most are saying how poorly the team played and that there are holes. I think that is just what you were says. I think you are who we thought you where. (rolling eyes insert)
Brent
September 28th, 2009
9:15 am
What was up with the Jenkins push off? Had his jersey had Moss on the back, it would have been 6 points. Our D line cost us that game. They never came close to Brady and that was the difference.
PMC
September 28th, 2009
9:23 am
I’ll still take 2-1 headed to the bye week. It’s one game. One loss. They still haven’t really put toegther a good game on offense. They don’t have a lot of bullets on defense. Field Goals are stops… The Falcon offense cannot sputter and die or Turner the ball over like they have the past two weeks.
This is a pretty good team. They are still fun to watch they are still getting better. We have great pieces on offense who are still coming toegther and BVG is getting the most out of what he’s got to work with on D. They just can’t give second chances with turnovers like they did yesterday several times. Biermann and Sidberry have to play more.
We’re not 0-3 we’re 2-1 and 1-0 in the NFC.
Jamaal Anderson is Aundre Bruce. He is an abomination of a draft pick. Could have had Patrick Willis could have had Okoye… I don’t care if he plays the run well. His paycheck should come with a dye pack.
All is not lost. Just be patient.
Falcons73
September 28th, 2009
9:27 am
Mark, you also forgot pay off the officials before a “must win game”…seems like it worked out well for New England.
DePlane
September 28th, 2009
9:40 am
I submit that the team took a step backwards against the Pats. I was surprised by the lack of blitz’s and even more surprised at the very poor play calling by MM. You don’t go into Foxboro hoping to fool such a well coached team with plain vanilla. They had NOTHING for them.
Oh well, it was the Pats. Losing to them is acceptable…but not the way we lost. We get two weeks to lick our wounds and hopefully we’ll see some new looks when they come back.
Singletary
September 28th, 2009
9:40 am
I wanted to say, “this is not the team they thought they were.” But I think the real take-away thought is they didn’t recover or implement a new game plan . To use Mike Singletary’s words, the’ve got two weeks to chew on this one.”
Blue Fender
September 28th, 2009
9:43 am
It was obvious that the officials were biased by New England’s “greatness”. The calls on the Falcons and the non-calls on the Patriots were very unbalanced. I’m aware that not every call will be correct due to human nature, but come on!
Of course, leaving your cajones at home doesn’t help. Coach Smith, how can you punt with that much time on the clock down by two scores? If you want to just give up, what message does that say about the process?
AlternateReality
September 28th, 2009
9:45 am
One of the benefits of signing Gonzales was that he would draw double coverage (which he did), opening up the field for the wide receivers. But with the exception of Jenkins, it didn’t look like anyone was getting open deep, so I’m not sure it’s entirely Ryan’s fault that he kept throwing short.
At the same time, it looked to me like Ryan was in a hurry to get rid of the ball. Don’t know if that was the plan or if he was hearing footsteps.
MikeFromPhilly
September 28th, 2009
9:46 am
Y’all cut FALCONS SORRY some slack. His boy just set the single game rushing record for ex-convict QBs with 7 yards.
jam
September 28th, 2009
9:46 am
The falcon’s cant throw the ball because they cant run the ball, and our golden boy Matt can’t stretch a play so he throws the ball away rather than trying to make a play (when your already down).
Crawdad
September 28th, 2009
9:47 am
Boy we got out coached, behind 2 scores in opponents field 4th down got the momentum, and PUNT!!!. sisters of the poor can get 3 yard pass with
the caliber receivers we got. NE controlled the line cain’t let that happen, Coach Smith lost his cool a time or two. Lets regroup and work the weak areas and be ready next game. Crawdad
nhe
September 28th, 2009
9:49 am
Even though I’m a baseball fan, it was still very sad for me that the 9th inning of the Braves game at DC was more compelling than the 4th quarter of the Falcons game in NE (both happening at the same time). Who woulda thunk that a week ago??
It seemed like our coaches were under some kind of Bellicek spell throughout the game. I’ve never seen Smitty get out-coached like that.
It was crystal clear that Bellicek was content to take what the Falcons D gave him. Dink and dunk and run down the field and keep the Falcons offense off.
Smitty, you gotta take some chances on D. Don’t be afraid to use the Jets D as a blueprint – that blueprint works! Take Risks!……….sheez.
I can’t fault Mularky too much, because the Falcons “O” is based on rhythm…….when you only have the ball for 20 mins, there’s no rhythm to be found.
SWAMI
September 28th, 2009
9:56 am
Looking for “rhythm” from Matty Ice is like looking for “touch” from MV7.
eric
September 28th, 2009
9:58 am
The offensive interference call and the Ryan “fumble” were two of the worst calls I have seen in the NFL since they came out with the “tuck rule” (anybody EVER figured that one out yet???). The Jenkins TD puts us up 17-16 and changes the entire complexion of the game. We were definitely slugging it out with them to that point and really for the whole first half.
Now the 2nd half, the championship half, we looked like a HS team out there. After the Jets banged, bruised, and hurried Brady all day last week, we let him sit back, have a sip of mocha latte, peruse the local sports section, then calmly fire the ball off. Something, anything MUST be done on the D-line.
Other lowlights include MR and Smith’s conservatism to a fault. Sometimes you just have to risk an INT if the alternative is giving the ball back to a team you can’t stop anyway. Down 16 points in the 4th quarter, every drive is 4-down territory when you are on their side of the field. Drops kill you on offense, but not as much as fumbles deep in your opponent’s territory (Turner).
There is alot of blame to spread around but if you just throw out the sorry second half “effort”, the Birds looked fairly good in the first half against a championship team.
Mike in NH
September 28th, 2009
10:05 am
Some of that loss was coaching – How do you take a delay of game penalty coming back from a challenge?
Very quick and ill advised challenge of the down by contact (announced by the ref at the game as forward progress) Why not take more time to give the guys upstairs time to see it was clearly the right call, thus wasting a time out.
MalibuGT
September 28th, 2009
10:07 am
we had a tough loss to Tampa Bay early last year where we just didn’t seem to muster enough energy to accomplish anything. We bounced back ok. It was discouraging to see how much Jerry’s absence affected our run defense.
I have never seen a worse call in an NFL game than the Matt Ryan fumble. As if there is any doubt where the tuck rule, etc. come from. The league loves its marquee team…
Daniel
September 28th, 2009
10:09 am
Nobody is going to win all their games this year. No need to over react.
I like your idea of moving Jammal and giving Sidbury a try.
But, Mark… Getting Jerious involved?? Get more Urgent??
That is some master of the obvious stuff right there. Really, we need to get our injured change of pace back back on the field? Wow, hope Mike Smith is reading this.
If those pass for legit suggestions, then I can trump them all.
The Falcons need to play better and win.
Yes, I am that brilliant.
William
September 28th, 2009
10:11 am
You know how you can tell winners from losers? Winners do not go by the book! You know like its 4th down and one so the BOOK says we punt. A winner usually goes for it. I mean you have to keep the ball to score. Yeah, I know its better to LOSE BY 3 than 23 right? Yeah, and if the previous opponents threw for hundreds of yards, that means you must establish the running game. I know the “book for losers” says.
The Patriots knew they were going to win! Did you have any doubt? The referees knew and Smith knew. It was just a matter of playing out the game. Dont you love that play where you throw the ball five yards behind the line of scrimmage with no blockers–a great losers play. If you do not play by the book then the analysts would be totally lost.
Traver
September 28th, 2009
10:13 am
MB – couldn’t agree more on the assessment. Losing Perry was a huge blow to the run defense and maybe a change to the inside for Andersen would finally get us an ROI on his pick and give someone else a chance to help Abraham with the pass rush. Regardless, we have to stop the run first. And, while the final outcome may not have changed no matter what happened, the game yesterday was much more about missed opportunities and our own mistakes than anything else. The Patriots demonstrated that even when you aren’t at your best you can still win if you capitalize on the other teams mistakes. In the Falcons I hope I am seeing a team that will recognize that, learn from it, and get better. In my idiot opinion, that is what it has to be about with a team that is still more potential than result at this point. A vertical passing game wouldn’t hurt either. We have the signal caller for it.
JT
September 28th, 2009
10:14 am
Falcon Sorry. Where were you when the Falcons won the first 2 games. You only show up when they lose. You do not have any guts. You like to dish it but can’t take it. Now I know why your name is Falcon SORRY. SORRY A$$ PANSY.
Joseph
September 28th, 2009
10:15 am
I am only sad about yesterday as ATL could have and should have beat NE. While the reffing was “f’ing” bad against ATL, their D kept them in the game. A few made passes down field would have made the difference and brought ATL a win. I agree with eric that Smith was too conservative too.
SWAMI
September 28th, 2009
10:20 am
Bad news FalconNation.
Doyou think that NE had extra mptivation because of their loss to the Jets?
Just wait till you feel the wrath of Singletary after that loss to Favre.
We will see if Mike Smith can coach em up. You had better believe that San Fran will be ready.
JT
September 28th, 2009
10:29 am
FALCON SORRY. Can you give me a play by play on how well the best qb in the history of the NFL did yesterday against KC? I missed Vicks performance and need your guidance.
JSS
September 28th, 2009
10:30 am
Falcons better hope Frank Gore is still on the IR in two weeks… And I among a few other posters have been screaming to move Anderson inside on 2nd and 3rd downs. He’s not a bust, he’s just mistyped… They were out-schemed, outplayed, and out coached… Mike Smith, put that little red flag away!
Reid Adair
September 28th, 2009
10:33 am
I can’t help but think how things might have been different on that last drive by the Falcons in the second quarter. They were in Patriots’ territory – and fumbled. If they score there, maybe everything changes. Instead, New England goes down, kicks the field goal and takes a 13-10 lead into halftime.
It was just one game, but it was disappointing.
Chris
September 28th, 2009
10:34 am
Just going to reiterate what’s already been said, because I’m so frustrated by it. The Jets gave you the blueprint last week on how to beat, or at least frustrate the Pats, looked like BVG didn’t watch any tape of that game. I know that’s not the type of defense we play, but if you want to win….Everyone keeps talking about NE sense of urgency etc, it’s the NFL, where was the Falcons sense of urgency? Where’s Sidbury? All that being said, still believe in these guys, good luck in SF.
Go Falcons
Kris P. Cream
September 28th, 2009
10:37 am
I knew not not keeping BIG Grady Jackson was a BIG mistake.
JSS
September 28th, 2009
10:37 am
And Mr. Bradley, if these clowns are going to turn this into another bash Falcon Sorry show, go ahead and shut it down! Nothing better than watching the Ku Klux Klan and the Taliban toss insults at other all day, each day, 24/7 AJC blogs = Fox News Channel, it gets boring like staring into the eyes of a cobra… Nothing good ever comes of it…
Don Kindo Nuts
September 28th, 2009
10:38 am
u r so right Krispy.
FALCONS SORRY
September 28th, 2009
10:42 am
NEW ENGLAND PATROTS! CONGRATUALTIONS TO YOU ALL ON POINTING OUT THE OBVIOUS THAT MATTY HOPELESS CHOKE LIKE A DOG ON A BONE WHEN IT COME TO BIG GAMES! THE REAL QB THAT USED TO PLAY HERE IN ATL HAD HIS TEAM WIN YESTERDAY! TURNER BURNER WOULD HAVE HAD A BETTER DAY BUT HE IS TIRED AND BROKE DOWN FROM HAVING TO CARRY THIS WHOLE SORRY FRANCHISE ON HIS BACK! TORE UP FROM THE FLOOR UP NORWOOD IS GOING TO HAVE TO HELP HIM SINCE THAT LOW DOWN CHEAP SKATE AUTHUR BLANK WONT PAY TO GET ANY GOOD TALENT AROUND HIM TO HELP HIM OUT! IF THE SORRY FALCONS KEEP PLAYING LIKE THIS COACH SMITTY IS GOING TO GET EVEN MORE GRAY HARE! TONY GONZOLEEZ IS PROBABLY NOW RELIZING WHAT A MISTAKE IS WAS TO COME HERE INSTEAD OF GOING SOMEWHERE HE COULD MAKE A DIFFERENCE LIKE PHILY OR INDY OR NEW YORK! BLANK DECIDED TO GO CHEAP ON THE D THIS YEAR TOO! HOW IS THAT PENNY PINCHING WORKING OUT FOR YOU BLANK! BETTER GET YOUR TRADING CAP ON DIMITROF IF YOU WANT TO GET CATCH UP TO THE EAGELS EXPRESS ON ITS WAY TO MIAMI IN JANUARY! CHOO! CHOO!
jg
September 28th, 2009
10:44 am
why is it that when the falcons are down two scores (26-10) the game seems over? but when we’re up two scores to anybody (last example carolina two weeks ago) those teams find a way to get back in the game and have chances to win it.
i love this team a lot and think they are very capable of going deep in the playoffs–but they’ve got to be able to not only put teams away but when they’re behind keep the fight. 7 minutes to go and only down two scores is not impossible. yet we go three and out two more times and don’t even consider going for it on fourth down. meanwhile the patriots are confident enough to go for it on fourth down in their own territory in the third quarter. please mike smith do down with your best weapon–yesterday it WAS your offense–the defense wasn’t stopping anyone–forcing fg’s are great but when they get five–enough is enough. let the offense win it or lose–it was obvious yesterday the defense wasn’t going to win it.
and by the way–i thought the pass int. penalty against m. jenkins was very iffy as well as the roughing the qb on jamal–the same two plays happend on the other side of the ball as well–decoud was interfered with on the long pass by brady that decoud should have picked and just after the roughing the passer on us–ryan was hit even later and harder by a patriot defensive lineman and what a shock no call…
they were the better team yesterday–a couple of calls here and there and turner holds onto the ball–could have been different–falcons were right there for a little more than three quarters on the road–show some urgency it’s the nfl–you can get back into the game if you just keep pressing.
HIGHER education
September 28th, 2009
10:48 am
FALCONS SORRY needs to shake off that Clayton County education and learn to read and write.
Grady Jackson
September 28th, 2009
10:50 am
FALCONS SORRY is a sissy with lace on his drawers.
William
September 28th, 2009
10:50 am
JSS
September 28th, 2009
10:37 am
Go feed your socialist ideology somewhere else….these are rugged Americans and I guess you are not!
Nfl Week 3 Results
September 28th, 2009
10:51 am
[...] with that approach yielding results last week against young Matthew Stafford and the … 5 things the Falcons must do before they play againIf you play "not to lose" and to keep it close against the elite teams in the NFL you will lose [...]
Eman
September 28th, 2009
10:52 am
Coach Smith is the only one to be blame for this performance!! He coach scared thus the players played scared. This is not how you coach in big games!! I hate to say this but I feel that he will cause us allot of big games with his coaching style remember New Orleans and The Eagles games last year!! We have to be aggressive with our team just like the pats did to us. I would had went for it on every down after the pats did that!!! The defence was tired and they was on the field for several pays this Sunday. Well there are reasons why the falcons have not one a super bowl and this seems to be the reason!!!
FAKE Falcons Sorry @ 9:00 am
September 28th, 2009
10:57 am
FAKE “Falcons Sorry” Post –> FALCONS SORRY on September 28th, 2009 @ 9:00 am
========================
We all know the REAL Falcons Sorry when we see it/him/her, and the post at 9:00am is NOT the genuine article.
That imposter is just racist loser is his mother’s basement making fun of the real deal.
Falcons Hero Zero
September 28th, 2009
10:59 am
The Falcons saw The Patriots and must’ve become tense…lolol
They saw the staium and freaked..
They were probably ready for their bye-week vacations before the gam even started…lololol
Falcons Hero Zero
September 28th, 2009
11:00 am
The Falcons saw The Patriots, and became tense…lolol
They saw the stadium and freaked..
They were probably ready for their “bye-week vacations” before the game even started…lololol!
C-Rock
September 28th, 2009
11:01 am
C-Rock has been a little busy today so my remarks might seem a little behind times, BUT, I haven’t seen so much grabbing and holding on to different body parts since the last Def-Jam concert. Todd Light was on the sideline laughing about what he was getting away with. Jamals roughing the passer was the lightest contact on a roughing call I have ever seen. The penalties were way one-sided. That being said, a second fumble inside the red zone, two dropped interceptions at critical times in the game. We need to tighten up in the middle of the defensive line, we made Taylor look like the re-incarnation of Walter Payton. Bye week off to straighten things up, but if refs let the other team hold like the Pats did, any quarterback given that much time will find an open reciever.
Chris
September 28th, 2009
11:15 am
They play way too conservative. So many times against the pats yesterday they would play a 3 or 4 man front. Brady, arguably the best QB in the league, had 6-10 seconds to throw the ball. The teams that have beat the pats the last couple of years, jets/giants, put him on his butt. If you look at the upcoming schedule it is brutal. The only easy teams coming up are the 2 games vs the bucs, a game against washington, and a game towards the end of the season with buffalo. The falcons have some brutal games coming up: jets, giants, 2 against the saints, bears, philly, and dallas. There’s also the next game against the 49ers which now look like they’re legit. I dont see the falcons having a winning season honestly. Michael Turner hurt us BIG again yesterday. He fumbles at the worst times. Last season in the playoffs against the cardinals, last week, and yesterday. He’s just not a big time running back. He only plays well against mediocre defenses.
Ouch, that game hurt!
September 28th, 2009
11:15 am
The coaching of this game really bothered me. Kicking a field goal on our first big drive instead of going for a TD. Challenging that “fumble” that was obviously not. Trying to make short passes for TDs instead of running it. It was embarassing to be a Falcon fan Sunday. Our coach looked like a little kid all excited, running and jumping around the sidelines. The Patriots have one of their worst games ever and we play even worse. The one positive for me is at least we don’t have dumbarse Michael Vick on our team any more.
SWAMI
September 28th, 2009
11:21 am
No one could have held onto the ball that Turner fumbled. The defender put his helmet right on the ball, HARD and from the side/rear. Just sayin, some fumbles can’t be avoided.
Joe Johnson
September 28th, 2009
11:24 am
Maybe Michael Turnover is……tired?
Falcons Hero Zero
September 28th, 2009
11:25 am
Sidbury: Probably, The Falcons will give-up more running yards with him at LDE because he really is John Abrahams back-up and replacement at RDE.
Still, it’s better than allowing Brees to torch them in The GA Dome and The Superdome (but, it’s still likely)
Norwood:
Norwood is the best WR on this squad as a RB!
The Falcons need “homerun-ability at WR”. The Falcons traded their former WR Laurent Robinson who was the fastest WR, and a “quick-score/deep threat WR for Matt Ryan (who can actually hold-on to the ball). The Falcons do not have “speed threats” at WR, but good blockers! Size at WR is good if they can actually get-away from the opposing CBs, Safeties, and LBs.
O-Line: Teams are focusing on that O-Line (The Falcons did not add any upgrades or challengers for positions during the offseason).
[***Again..Atlanta Organizations are too content, and complacent--especially in good times (because they have never been great or dominant). That is why the players on their teams and their fan-base act the same way.***]
I don’t know what The Falcons were thinking when they did not re-sign RB Thomas Brown to their Practice Squad..
Turner may be tapped-out for this season… Over-sized RBs cannot change direction when their O-Line is beat. He is a one gap runner, and that won’t change until he loses some weight, and re-gains some of the speed and adility he lost. It’s similar to what happened to Jamal Anderson-besides the unfortunate knee injuries..
LBs: The Falcon LBs are being beat on screens because they are all the same size, and don’t have very much speed or range. A team needs some variety. A slightly smaller OLB/WOLB who can run faster than the MLB and DEs, can cover the RBs. All of their LBs look like MLBs, or their scheme is flawed for the talent that they have on their roster..
Maybe, it is time for them to promote from within the roster. Replace some starters, and add more speed.
AZ Jacket
September 28th, 2009
11:28 am
Hey Eman, the only reason the defense was on the field so long was because they could not stop the Patriots. It is very simple…if the defense stops the opposing offense then they can rest. What do you idiots think should be done about Coach Smith, fire him. Hell, he is only bad when they don’t win and when they win he is great. 90% of the Falcon fans suck and would not know a good coach if he bit them on the A$$. 50% of that 90% are in love with a felon who should never been allowed to set foot on the field. The Falcon fans sound just like UGA fans, if I win we have the best coaches and the best players and we don’t win fire the bunch of them. What a joke? You don’t deserve a pro team. If Blank wanted true support he would move the team out of this town.
AZ Jacket
September 28th, 2009
11:30 am
Hero Zero, you have all figured out. Why don’t you apply for a job with the Falcons…oh..those are just opinions. Right.
AZ Jacket
September 28th, 2009
11:33 am
They lost…would of , could of, should of does not work on the Monday after. It is a lot different when you have to make the call right then and there.
Nativebird
September 28th, 2009
11:41 am
6. Remind your Head Coach that he is not a rookie any longer; You go for it on 4th down in the 4th quarter with the ball on their 39, your 2 scores behind, and the realization your defense cannot get their offense off the field on 3rd downs…and…you do NOT challenge fumble calls just because you’re emotion at the time and haven’t seen the replay!
Bank Walker, Texas Ranger
September 28th, 2009
11:42 am
Biggest problem is DT and I don’t think JA is going to solve that area. DT’s don’t need another areas demotions. We can’t stop the run even against a team that can’t run. It would be like some drug dealer, pimp trying to stop Chuck Norris from giving him a round house kick to the head. There is no stopping it.
SWAMI
September 28th, 2009
11:42 am
AZ Jacket – You seem to want to paint everything with a very broad stroke like:
All Tech fans/grads are nerds; or, allpeople who live in AZ live in trailors and cook meth; or that all tech grads/fans who live in AZ are nerds who cook meth in their trailors.
See. Mouth moving, brain not in gear.
ERich42
September 28th, 2009
11:42 am
Matt Ryan can not throw the deep ball and is given way to much credit for the two wins against winless teams and not enough blame for the lost yesterday. The defense kept it close but we were only able to put up 10 pts and that goes directly to the QB
Sonny Clusters
September 28th, 2009
11:44 am
We was reading Mark’s blog about knife sharpening and there was a class at Clemson on that but it was an elective. We was out early this morning looking for the Best Cupcake in Atlanta for the AJC but so far the cupcakes have all been disappointing- like the Falcons yesterday. We was watching the same game as everybody else and thought the Falcons was in it pretty much all the way. Mark is right that a couple plays could have turned the game.
"Mr. Falcon"
September 28th, 2009
11:45 am
6. Mike Smith has to grow a pair!
Maestro
September 28th, 2009
11:53 am
First off, the most crucial play of the game was the fumble by Turner followed closely by the interference call on Jenkins that negated the touchdown. This clearly is not the Patriot team that went undefeated in 07 and Brady was not the same QB he was that year on yesterday. This team was beatable if a few breaks go our way and the defense mounted some form of consistent pressure on Brady. To their credit the Patriot o-line has played together for years and are good at pass protection. It was the rush defense that disappointed me. They lost Maroney and got the job done with an aging Fred Taylor. Teams in the future will run straight up the gut on us and there is nothing we will be able to do about it.
Benjamin
September 28th, 2009
11:58 am
I’m not even remotely disappointed in yesterday’s game; New England wasn’t losing that one, and we’ve still got some things to learn.
One thing: the Jamal Anderson “roughing the passer” was absolute bunk, as he barely bumped Brady from behind and didn’t even knock him two steps forward. Honestly, it looked like hometown reffing in a few critical moments in yesterday’s game, that one being chief among them. (Another one being when Ryan got manhandled by the defensive lineman at least a full second after throwing a pass and no call was given on the following drive, and another one being the terrible call that forced us to waste a timeout in the first half.)
Falcons Hero Zero
September 28th, 2009
12:01 pm
The refs seem to favor teams with more “notoriety”at times.. That will just continue to happen.
"Mr. Falcon"
September 28th, 2009
12:06 pm
I do not care what anyone says; we just got eliminated from the playoffs.
That was a must win game, and the Falcons did not win.
Their schedule gets extremely tough now.
They will be 8-8 this year.
I am not sold on Norwood ( Class Joe); he reminds me of Chris Chandler.
Something is obviously wrong with Turner; he looks slow this year.
Ryan needs to hit the weight room, so he can throw the deep ball.
However, I am confident that the Falcons will be greatly improved next year, and we will have a much easier schedule.
I think Dimitroff is going to be busy scouting for the rest of this season.
Why does Fox insist on showing Author Blank every game. He is an ego maniac.
Tell it like it is
September 28th, 2009
12:13 pm
The Pat’s are not a Championship team anymore .they have lost a lot of players on the defence.The falcons have an offence that should compete with anybody but did not play up to par in this game.The falcons offence when used right can compete with anybody. the defence has a lot of holes to fill and is not playoff caliber at this time.Smitty and co did a terrable job of preparing this team for this game.Look for the falcons to go 7-9 and keep the string alive of not having back to back winning seasons.
fred dre
September 28th, 2009
12:39 pm
did the falcons watch film or scout the jets patriots game? it was proven in that game,if you hurry brady,harass him,and you don’t have to sack him,he will become frustrated. he is not the kool customer that the media potrays him to be,that was proven yesterday. the falcons need to dial it up on defense. its as if the falcons conceded the game in the third quarter,and thats when i stopped watching.
Vick Supporter
September 28th, 2009
12:48 pm
Enter your comments hereMatt “Ice” Ryan can’t stretch the field, which leads to having 8 men in the box to stop the run, which leads to Ryan having to win the game himself, which is proven he can’t do. Its pretty simple.
Roddy’s got his money now, so you’ll see the drops increase. Jemkins still can’t get open, and they are going to “bracket” Gonzales. Make Ryan beat you with his arm, and the other team wins. See how easy that is?
Gritblitzer
September 28th, 2009
12:55 pm
Vick Supporter-
What an appropriate name since you’re obviously inside his.
Glitchy
September 28th, 2009
12:58 pm
OK, I’ll say it. Something is not right with Michael Turner. He’s slow hitting the hole, and lacks the explosiveness once he gets to the second level that he had last year. Id he is not physically injured, then he is running very tentatively.
Maybe the 470 carries thing is real……….
Vick Supporter
September 28th, 2009
1:07 pm
Gritblitzer-
Is Ryan to high and mighty to recieve criticism?
Gritblitzer
September 28th, 2009
1:11 pm
No VS, but Ryan was the least of the Falcons problems yesterday. Anyone who knows anything about football could see that. His passes were on target, several were dropped, he threw no picks….If anything, Mularkey put the handcuffs on Ryan yesterday with his awful play-calling. It looked like Greg Knapp reincarnated.
Vick Supporter
September 28th, 2009
1:15 pm
“His passes were on target, several were dropped, he threw no picks….If anything, Mularkey put the handcuffs on Ryan yesterday with his awful play-calling. It looked like Greg Knapp reincarnated.”
Man does that sound familiar…….
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
1:19 pm
I would agree: the Falcons played too timidly yesterday. Don’t know why, but they did.