Bradley’s Buzz: Did Smitty coach scared in Foxborough?
Mike Smith: Did timidity hurt his team? (AP photo)
I read Ron Borges‘ Monday column in the Boston Herald on the plane back, and I was impressed: He had a good point and made it nicely. And his point was:
Mike Smith coached a dud game against the Patriots.
I’m not apt to paraphrase Mr. Borges half as well as he expressed himself, so I’ll just quote:
“Falcons coach Mike Smith, of all people, should have known what was coming yesterday. Even when Tom Brady isn’t sharp, if you go soft on him he will make it hard on you.
“Yet despite being armed with knowledge gained from harsh experience, Smith allowed Atlanta defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder to make the same decision yesterday that Smith made Jan. 12, 2008.
“Both paid the same price: They got beat.
“At the time, Smith was the defensive coordinator of the Jacksonville Jaguars. In a divisional playoff game, he decided that his team could not pressure Brady under any circumstance and chose instead to drop seven and eight defenders into coverage.
“Brady carved them up as if he worked in a butcher shop. He set an NFL record for accuracy, going 26-of-28 with three touchdowns in a 31-20 win. His passer rating was 141.4.”
You’ll notice I said Mr. Borges had a good point. But I don’t know that I agree with it completely. To me, the Patriots’ running game (168 yards) beat the Falcons. Brady (27-of-42 for 277 yards) was only OK. He threw a late touchdown pass to tight end Chris Clark but missed every deep ball. The difference was, the Pats were gaining enough yards on first and second downs to put Brady in third-and-three, which is how they wound up with 28 first downs to the Falcons’ 13.
That said, I was surprised at how seldom the Falcons blitzed. Smith noted afterward that the Falcons sent “five or six” men at Brady in the first half, but clearly the Falcons were wrong-footed by the Pats’ sudden emphasis on the run.
“They’d run it 43 times and thrown it 100 [coming in],” Smith said afterward. “We didn’t fit the run as well as we’d have liked. We did not play the run the way we needed to.”
I thought the Falcons would play aggressively, both on offense and defense, than they did. Much of that had to do with New England hogging the ball for nearly 40 minutes. But New England wouldn’t have kept the ball had the Falcons taken it from them. And Mr. Borges’ point is overall a strong one, and one for the Birds to remember:
Faint heart never won the big game.
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245 comments Add your comment
Billy
September 29th, 2009
3:12 pm
If we are keeping the record strait on Flacco vs Ryan last year Flacco had 14 tda 12 interceptions Ryan had 16 tds 11 int’s this year flacco has 6 tds 2 int’s Ryan has 5 tds 1 int’s Ryan’s comp. pct. is higher last year and so far this year.
CaliDirtyBird
September 29th, 2009
4:07 pm
Ronnie, I couldn’t have said it better. This was exactly my thoughts as I was watching the game.
“The head coach’s job is to make the decision that gives the team the best chance of victory, not to keep the score respectable. And when you’re trailing by two scores and the clock is running out, you HAVE to keep the ball. Smith showed the same defective thinking in that game in New Orleans last year, when he decided to punt on a 4th and 4 late in the game when we needed a touchdown to win. We never got the ball back.”
Belichek had already shown us his aggressive play calling and we needed to match him. Smith had gone for it on 4th down the prior week against Carolina but didn’t seem to have the stomach to make the call on the road.
CaliDirtyBird
SHOULD HAVE DRAFTED FLACCO
September 29th, 2009
4:17 pm
WOW! ESPN has the Ravens Number 1:
http://espn.go.com/nfl/powerrankings?year=2009&week=4
Like I keep saying….could of had a WINNER instead of a BIG WEENER
SUPERBOWL R BUST
September 29th, 2009
5:12 pm
1 – 2 – 3 – Now Exhale. Take A Week Off.
Its All Part Of The Process.
SirReal
September 29th, 2009
5:17 pm
Guys, its only week 3 football. Expect to see more crispness in the passing game. ( Hopefully more shots downfield. We have the personnel) The run game should be better as well. (Its like we’re only one block away on quite a few runs actually.) The D should be better as well. As Mr. Bradley pointed out, it is time to see what Sidbury can do. We dont have anything to lose. The pass rush has been no existence the past couple weeks anyway. Overall, no need to start crying over ONE LOSS! We’re still 2-1, with one division win. That will be crucial later on in the year. We could have played better but hey every week is different. We’ll be ok.
karl
September 29th, 2009
5:19 pm
Focusing on Matt Ryan as the problem is crazy. The Falcons lost because they could not run the ball and they couldn’t stop the the run. Simple as that.
SHOULD HAVE DRAFTED FLACCO
September 29th, 2009
5:56 pm
karl
Any more excuses for NOODLE ARM?
Joe Flacco passed for 342 yards and the running game had over 150 yards.
Joe Flacco was able to open up the passing game and that opened up the running game.
That’s what happens when there is a “DOWN FIELD” threat is in the head of the opposing defenses.
Turner will be luck to rush for 600 yards this season, because teams will not respect the deep pass, because ole NOODLE ARM can’t stretch the field.
It wasn’t Turner, Gonzalez, White or Jenkins fault…………it was all on
OLE NOODLE ARM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lil Larry
September 29th, 2009
6:22 pm
Mularkey will be the downfall of this offense. He has is the same ancient offensive philosophy that Dan Reeves had–get up on your opponent early and milk the clock. With Ryan and the offensive weapons we have there is no reason we shouldn’t be able to come from behind for a win. If I’m not mistaken, wasn’t it the offense that was suppose to be the powerhouse of this team? We all knew the defense had a number of holes. Where is the aggressive offense and defense that you said you would bring to the Falcons Smitty? More empty promises. Act on what you can (the offense) and do what you can with what you have on the defense until you get the type of players you want in place. We look for you to be creative with what you have…that’s why Arthur hired you as HC.
Alan
September 29th, 2009
6:56 pm
Go you NAYSAYERS,don’t you have anything to do other than to talk down the Falcons, you really sound like Philly fans, maybe you need to find yourself a real winner, (Oakland, Detroit & etc.) oh, by the way, look up the sky is not falling.
Dirty Bird Man
September 29th, 2009
7:06 pm
The Birds were clearly out coached in this game. The Pats had an excellent scheme to take Gonzo completely out of the game. We needed to stretch the field a lot more with both White and Jenkins. Norwood could have provided a spark to the offense. In the 2nd quarter we had the momentum however that completely changed after the fumble by Turner. Not to make any excuses but the refs made some questionable calls.The refs did not call the block in the back by Moss on the running play however they called Jenkins for pushing off on the TD. The Birds miss Grady Jackson. We cant stop the run and we cant get any pressure on the QB. We should have went after Richard Seymour to strengthen the the DLINE. Hopefully the team can make some adjustments after the bye week. The only good thing after the bye week is that Gore will be out. Go Dirty Birds!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SHOULD HAVE DRAFTED FLACCO
September 29th, 2009
7:21 pm
It’s amazing but I am watching The NFL Network’s Total Access and they are discussing Joe Flacco and he is in the top 10 in EVERY qb statistic and the analysis are saying
He is FAR ahead of NOODLE ARM!
Interesting……….I think that’s exactly what I have been saying since draft day.
That’s just another reason that Ozzie Newsome is far above Thomas “I can’t analyze talent” Dimitroff.
The Ravens went through a rebuilding year the RIGHT way and now they are poised for another Superbowl run, while the Falcons took a seat back with NOODLE ARM, Jerry and Moore.
So anybody upset with my great analysis with NOODLE ARM being the wrong draft pick – direct your complaints to THE NFL NETWORK
SHOULD HAVE DRAFTED FLACCO
September 29th, 2009
7:22 pm
One final point, Joe Flacco has a 113 4th qb rating, which is crunch time performance, not that qb ratings are the most important stat, but since you people want to throw qb ratings out there.
webhead
September 29th, 2009
8:20 pm
We need Brooking back!!
karl
September 29th, 2009
8:44 pm
Should have drafted Flacco
You’re weird and you’re stupid.
FALCONS CENSOR CRITICS/CRYBABIES!
September 29th, 2009
9:10 pm
You know Mark and Atlanta, I criticized Coach Smith and the coaching staff as well as the entire
team for the abysmal performance against the Patriots on their message board.
It seems the FALCONS BRASS and ARTHUR BLANK don’t like criticism. I was banned from their
site and not even allowed to read their message board as a result….NO CURSING just telling the brutal truth. If you are not a cheerleader , even in a terrible , loss they whine about the ctiticism.
HEY COACH SMITH AND ARTHUR BLANK GROW UP!! If you can’t take criticism you’re in the wrong business. Watch out Mark Bradley, King Artur can’t stand criticism. SO WHAT >>>>YOU SUCKED in that game ALL OF YOU!! Coaches, players, and your NAZI board!
FALCONS KISSED BELLICHEK'S RINGS
September 29th, 2009
9:14 pm
Man…the Falcons….Coach Smith….Thomas Dimitroff ALL went to Foxboro and KISSED Bill Bellickek’s rings!! ALL 3 of them !!! They went up there and got spanked like little b*tches!
Michael Turnover and Droppy White STUNK IT UP!!!!! But don’t tell them that…you’ll be banned from the stadium….their message board….or any Arthur Blank owned facilities probably…lol
What a bunch of pansies!!
"Mr. Falcon"
September 29th, 2009
9:17 pm
Bill schooled Smitty. That is the bottom line. Smitty is going to have to grow a set!!!!!! We lost because we have a scary coaching staff. This coaching staff is full egg suckers.
J.Michael Moore FALCON'S CENSOR
September 29th, 2009
9:18 pm
The Atlanta Falcons message board operator censors critics. It doesn’t matter if your language is clean, if you criticize the team or Arthur Blank you will be banned….HOW LAME????
Makes me wonder if we have the right bunch . They coach scared, play scared and are scared of criticism !! BOOOOO!! HOOOOO!!! Falcons KISSED THE RING and J Michael Moore can kiss mine!!
"Mr. Falcon"
September 29th, 2009
9:18 pm
We do not need Brooking back. He still sucks in Dallas.
Mike
September 29th, 2009
9:20 pm
It seemed coming out of the tunnel on Sunday the game was over. They were showing the Falcons walking on the field, they seemed to have no energy. It is no doubt that they had a conservative game plan. Sort of the same approach as the Vols took with the Gators….just wanted to be in the game. They were not willing to take risks on either side of the ball. I think if they had of blitzed Brady, they would have been burnt on a play or two. They also could have forced some mistakes. Their inability to stop the Pats drives was huge. The bend but don’t break approach kept their O on the sidelines most of the game. On offense I think it was even worse. They had to many penalties, or plays that ended up going for negative yards at the worst times, they got away from the running game to early (if Turner is not getting it done, then give Snelling some carries. When you have more than one good back use your resources.) Also Ryan didn’t put the ball into his playmakers hands. Get Roddy down the field, throw it up and let Gonzo go get it, that’s what he does. Is that not why we brought him here? I love the 10-11 play drives with 4-5 yard runs, and 8-10 yard passes. They keep your D off the field the opposing teams D on the field. But in order to have success taking that approach you have to threaten a team deep. Back to the D…I would like to see them try Anderson at D-Tackle and rotate Abe, Davis, Bierman, and Sidbury in at D End. I was impressed with Sidbury in preseason. One positive from the game I took was the play of Decoud and Williams. Hopefully during this off week we will tighten up our loose bolts. We are going to need to play better if we plan to compete with Dallas, NY Giants, NY Jets, New Orleans twice, and Philly. San Fran, Chicago, and Buffalo are not exactly push overs.
"Mr. Falcon"
September 29th, 2009
9:23 pm
The Falcons will be 8-8. They were a better team last year because they played like they had nothing to lose. They are not doing this year. They are not playing to win; they are playing not to lose.
TO: Coach Smith
September 29th, 2009
9:24 pm
I heard you in your press conference talk about how your players didn’t play well or execute well…
BUT you never spoke of YOUR POOR COACHING in that game.Your game plan stunk, play calling sucked out loud and you did not prepare the team well. You didn’t make adjustments quickly enough. You need to LEARN TO CONTROL YOUR EMOTIONS !! You threw the flag before you even saw the replay…ACCEPT responsibility and next time >>>>DON”T KISS THE RINGS !!!!!!!
"Mr. Falcon"
September 29th, 2009
9:27 pm
Smitty better wake up!!!! He is going to be looking stupid when they miss the playoffs by one win.
FREEDOM OF SPEECH
September 29th, 2009
9:28 pm
There is no fredom of speech on the Atlanta Falcons Message Board. If you criticize the team you will be banned. It doesn’t matter if your language is clean…critics will be banned and censored!!
How lame! Arthur Blank, maybe you should take your team to Russia or China where that kind of censorship is welcome! Not in the USA….STEVIE WONDER COULD SEE YOUR TEAM PLAYED LIKE DOO DOO!! COACH SMITH COACHED LIKE DOO DOO !!! GET OVER IT !!!!
"Mr. Falcon"
September 29th, 2009
9:29 pm
Thank You, TO: Coach Smith, I see we saw the same game. Smitty should have stood up and took the blame. He hung his defense out to dry when he did not go for it on that 4th down.
"Mr. Falcon"
September 29th, 2009
9:31 pm
Freedom of Speech….Who cares, it is their message board. They know what they are (egg suckers).
SUPPORT THE TROOPS
September 29th, 2009
9:31 pm
Our troops are dying “fighting for freedom” in Afghanistan and Iraq. One of those freedoms is freedom of speech, yet Arthur Blank does not allow freedom of speech on his Atlanta Falcons web site. Shame on you Arthur Blank. If you can’t handle a little criticism after an ABYSMAL LOSS
and frankly EMBARRASSING as a Falcon fan to endure, your in the wrong business! Grow up !!
SUPPORT THE TROOPS
September 29th, 2009
9:32 pm
They certainly laid an egg on Sunday !!!!
"Mr. Falcon"
September 29th, 2009
9:33 pm
Wake up people, the Falcons site can sensor who ever they want…..It is legal.
I'm with you, SUPPORT FREEDOM OF SPEECH
September 29th, 2009
9:34 pm
Wow. I never would have thought Arthur Blank would do that. Why would they think people would not criticize that effort. It was disgusting. Do you think he knows? they are censoring comments/ critics ?
Boycott the Falcons
September 29th, 2009
9:35 pm
If the Falcons won’t allow critics then we should boycott them !!
Mark Bradley
September 29th, 2009
9:37 pm
I doubt seriously that Arthur Blank personally deleted any comments. But let me ask a question: Have you noticed such deletions before? Or is this a one-time thing?
Falcons blacked out
September 29th, 2009
9:37 pm
Hey if the Falcons play this bad the rest of the road trip, they will be blacked out the next home game. No one wants to look at that garbage performance again. Shame on the Falcons for banning freedom of speech though. I’m with you guys.
"Mr. Falcon"
September 29th, 2009
9:37 pm
The Falcons are not obligated, under the law, to print any of your comments on their site. There is not argument about Freedom of Speech.
"Mr. Falcon"
September 29th, 2009
9:39 pm
They won’t be blacked out at my house.
FREEDOM OF SPEECH
September 29th, 2009
9:39 pm
I noticed every person who I remembered criticizing them have been banned. Anyone who criticized had their moderators comment behind them and usually jumped them for criticizing. I thought it was lame. People are going to criticize when they think their team stunk up a game.
FREEDOM OF SPEECH
September 29th, 2009
9:41 pm
No Mark I didnt notice before this game any critics being banned or silence unless they cursed or threatened like….but now they are very sensitive to critics , I guess. After that awfully coached, played ,schemed game. It was terrible in ebery way. How coild you not comment on it without criticism?
FREEDOM OF SPEECH
September 29th, 2009
9:42 pm
sorry for typos typed fast
"Mr. Falcon"
September 29th, 2009
9:42 pm
Mark, this game was just poorly coached. Do you agree?
Tandy I am banned...needed pom poms
September 29th, 2009
9:44 pm
Tandy and Gritzblitz they banned me…from even reading the board because of my venting the loss.
Mark Bradley INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALIST
September 29th, 2009
9:46 pm
Hey Mark…Get on the case…and find out who’s behing the banning of critics in Falconsland…
King Arthur’s minions must be running amuck on his Atlanta Falcins web site.
Mark Bradley INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALIST
September 29th, 2009
9:46 pm
behind
Mark Bradley INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALIST
September 29th, 2009
9:46 pm
Falcons….dmmmm
"Mr. Falcon"
September 29th, 2009
9:48 pm
Smitty and Author needs to buy a dog.
keithbrooking56 is a loser
September 29th, 2009
9:49 pm
God can yall believe there are some dummies who still think we should have kept Brooking?
Yes they do MR FALCON
September 29th, 2009
9:50 pm
They sure do….if they’re scared…go to church !!!! If you can’t hang with the big dogs….STAY ON THE PORCH !!!
I was banned too
September 29th, 2009
9:52 pm
My name was Jedi on the Falcons board. They banned me too. I never cursed just criticized em and I was banned..They couln’t make it in NY or Philly, that’s for sure. Our criticism here is tame compared to them. It was lame though, I agree.
"Mr. Falcon"
September 29th, 2009
9:53 pm
I would not go as far as saying Brooking is a loser.
"Mr. Falcon"
September 29th, 2009
9:54 pm
He’s just washed up.
The ghost of Bellichek
September 29th, 2009
9:55 pm
Coach Smith, Mularkey and the team were FRIGHTENED by the ghost of Bill Bellichek…under the hoodie was a diabolical genius/the grim reaper of Falcons hopes for the game quickly killed any chane they had of walking out with their heads held high. Boooooooooooo Booooooooooo
Halloween came early and our team dressed as fairies in Foxboro.