All-Falcons Heat Check: Try putting some Matty Ice on that
Turner the Burner aloft. (AJC photo by Curtis Compton)
Our weekly Heat Check is devoted to the winner of a game so wild you’d have sworn the winning team couldn’t get out of its own way — right up until that moment when it, er, won the game.
Matt Ryan: I’m thinking those who likened him to Peyton Manning had it wrong. Ryan is more Ben Roethlisberger — a quarterback who doesn’t make every play but makes the big ones — than the essence of precision. We saw again Sunday night that Ryan can look pedestrian for whole quarters at a time. Thing is, not many of those substandard quarters are fourth quarters. Heat Index: Who needs a hot QB when you’ve got Matty Ice?
Michael Vick: Technically he no longer plays for the Falcons, but he gets grandfathered into our ratings because … well, because I say so. His three turnovers put the Eagles in position to lose, and then he put the Eagles in position to win. And then he left with a concussion and the Eagles lost anyway. And not many folks in the Dome seemed to be cheering him, which had to sting. Heat Index: Pointing toward the scoreboard to answer a shower of boos is rarely cool — less so when that scoreboard winds up showing that your side lost and you weren’t around to see it. (But at least he pointed with his index finger, if you students of Falcons history get my drift.)
Michael Turner: Sometimes you wonder why the Falcons keep handing the ball to this guy. Then he bursts through the line and you remember. He’s kind of an oddity himself — a power back whose biggest plays come on long runs. Heat Index: He’s the Burner, remember?
Tony Gonzalez: I admit it. There was a time last season when I thought he’d lost a step. Can’t say the notion occurred last night. Heat Index: Caught more passes that the Falcons’ starting wide receivers combined — I’d call that a hot night.
Julio Jones: He caught only two passes, but the third-down catch when the Falcons trailed by 10 points was the night’s biggest play. Had to jump, got hit by two Eagles, still hauled it in. Heat Index: More soothing balm for those who thought Thomas Dimitroff overreached on Draft Night.
Sam Baker: Speaking of first-round picks by TD the GM … here’s one that doesn’t look so hot. Baker hasn’t yielded all nine sacks posted by the Falcons’ first two opponents, but it does kind of seem that way. Heat Index: Bakers are supposed to be skilled at regulating heat, are they not?
The defense: It made some plays, yes. Just not very many. The Falcons have surrendered 61 points in two games. That’s not new-and-improved. That’s not-even-as-good-as-before. And the Eagles’ last good surge failed not because of anything the Falcons did but because Jeremy Maclin dropped the ball. Heat Index: Coordinator Brian VanGorder’s temperature has been known to rise. I’m guessing it’s at, ahem, fever pitch.
Dunta Robinson: I’m sorry, but that was a penalty. He seems to get those against Philly. Heat Index: The NFL might bring some heat Robinson’s way, in the form of another suspension.
The punter: His name is Matt Bosher. He punted out of bounds on his own 20. That takes some doing, but I’m not sure it’s something that should ever be done. Heat Index: Let’s just say he’s not the next Matty Ice.
Mike Smith: Give Smitty much credit for the intransigence displayed by his men. (More than anything, intransigence won the game.) But if the Eagles’ final heave had bounced the wrong way, we’d have wondered how the Falcons took the ball with 1:41 remaining and Philadelphia down to its final timeout … and still wound up punting to DeSean Jackson and having to defend a pass from beyond midfield. Heat Index: It’s not often the deployment of the fall-on-the-ball Victory Formation can go wrong, but this bit of time mismanagement came perilously close. A bit more coaching cool is advised.
By Mark Bradley
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180 comments Add your comment
Nanny
September 19th, 2011
1:47 pm
Bosher has to go. He killed us yesterday, and almost cost us at the end by punting straight down the middle to Jackson. There has to be a better punter out there. Wasted draft pick by Dimitroff.
As others have said, Baker is a disgrace, and a complete bust of a first round pick by Dimitroff.
Gonzalez was amazing though, and Julio will be a beast as he continues to learn. Also liked the way weatherspoon played.
OC
September 19th, 2011
1:51 pm
Mike Mularkey= Greg Knapp. Never thought I’d see another OC as inept and conservative as Knapp and his buddy Jim Moron. When Vick was here we debated whether offensive troubles were related to him or Knapp. Same situation exists today with lack of explosive plays: is it Ryan or Mularkey? All I know is we play half our games indoors and should have a fast team capable of big plays.
FACTS
September 19th, 2011
1:54 pm
Finally somebody writing the truth about the Falcons Defense, Dimitroff may have made very crucial mistake in not addressing some needs on defense……like maybe the secondary, DT depth or maybe a new scheme, giving up 30 pts a game is not what you would call great gameplanning
3rd in the league in most pts given up per game
6th in the league in most yds given up per game
6th in the league in most yds given up passing per game
New & Improved = ATROCIOUS
J
September 19th, 2011
1:58 pm
The falcons gave up 31 points in 3 quarters. The Saints, Bucs, and Panthers are licking their chops.
DJ Sniper
September 19th, 2011
1:58 pm
TedM, Dan Reeves said that he felt that the Falcons turned their backs on Vick when they released him. He felt they should have been there to support him more. I wonder if he’s just still bitter from when he got fired.
J
September 19th, 2011
1:59 pm
Eric
September 19th, 2011
1:39 pm
All these people saying we won because Vick got hurt are out of their minds. Last I checked Vick doesn’t play defense and the reason we won is because MR and the offense finally got their act together and had two 80 yard TD drives late. The Eagles backup still got them a TD and moved them down the field just as well as Vick would have. Also, Maclin would have dropped Vick’s pass as well.
We won this game with heart and guts and sometimes wins like that can propel a team (see “fluke” win at NO last year)…..
——-
He does play defense by putting points on the board and keeping drives alive. While he was in the game he dissected the falcons defense with the precision of an experienced surgeon. Call Him Dr. Vick
Stat Man
September 19th, 2011
2:04 pm
Ice 1
Vick 0
Stat Man
September 19th, 2011
2:05 pm
Only a Vick fan would call a 2 fumble/1 pic performance “precision”.
QB/DB
September 19th, 2011
2:07 pm
We don’t have a Playoff type off. line, we must look at a trade or free agent and stop playing favorites. Boy if we had M. Jenkins to this receiving corps. . . then BIRDS ARE AWESOME. Look at trade or free agent. Falcons also need to stop trying to be someone else, we just don’t have an electroic type team but it is okay, we can grind and then hit you with the pass.
DeportMularky
September 19th, 2011
2:08 pm
Mularky MUST go! Note that it was only when Ryan was calling the plays in the no huddle that the team lit up.
Mularky simply does not have the cojones to play bold football. He is timid so he runs Turner off tackle until he HAS to throw… which means the defense KNOWS the Falcons are going to throw and they know Mularky will only throw 8-10 yard routes.
If Blank won’t fire Mularky, just have Ryan call his own plays or go no huddle all the time.
Ivan
September 19th, 2011
2:11 pm
“While he was in the game he dissected the falcons defense with the precision of an experienced surgeon.”
BWAHAHAHA!!! oh…you were serious.
Mr Charlie
September 19th, 2011
2:11 pm
I get it, you guys identify with Vick because like you, he is full of unrealized potential that will never be reached, makes bad decisions, quits, and makes excuses. But now that everyone realizes this, why are you still here? Either you identify with Vick, or you don’t, you will not change anyone mind. We all saw what happened last night. Vick 0, Ice 1.
Strange Murphy
September 19th, 2011
2:17 pm
Vick lost! BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!
DeportMularky
September 19th, 2011
2:18 pm
“Kelvin Frazier” … thank you for your comment that Vick was not pointing at the scoreboard but pointing to his parole officer… that was the best laugh I had all day.
fanatic01
September 19th, 2011
2:19 pm
Glad the falcons won eventhough im not sure how they did. Lots of things need to be addressed. It looks like the only player ready this year is Tony G. Where has roddy been this year? Is he still on the team? Julio had a big time catch on third down but thats all. The Oline is horendus! Give it up to Ryan for fighting to the end. On the defensive side of the ball we have huge holes down the field. Eagles recievers were way to open and every time we looked like we had them stopped on a play they would pick up 5 or 6 yards. As far as special teams goes to bad we got rid of Koenan, that Bosher guy from Miami has a noodle of a leg and great muff by the way. I am not sure what to think about the falcons after 2 weeks. I hope they r just knocking the rust off and will soon return to football condition mentally and physically but even then do we have the D to get us deep in the playoffs (as Jim Mora Sr. would say PLAYOFFS??? PLAYOFFS!!!) assuming our Ferari offense starts performing like it should? Am I on the mark? What do you think…
FACTS
September 19th, 2011
2:20 pm
Mularkey & VanGorder must leave in order for the Falcons to reach the next level both are wayyyy too predictible to survive the fight for the NFC title….let alone the run to a Superbowl…games like Green Bay on Primetime Sunday night football could get very ugly, as well as games against NO, Houston, and Detroit, if they are for real….it will be a fight just to survive this div., with way the playcalling has been going these guys better wake up & start opening up their play books soon!!!
FACTS
September 19th, 2011
2:22 pm
why you guys not posting some the comments, my comment was about Mularkey & VanGorders vanilla play-calling what is harsh about that blog ????
meh
September 19th, 2011
2:23 pm
Baker should’ve slid over in that dude’s face so he couldn’t get a running start. I agree that it was a penalty on Dunta Robinson but i don’t think it was as vicious as that dude calling the game was acting like it was.
Mr C
September 19th, 2011
2:29 pm
A win is a win. But that was some Lucky win. I don’t think the reporting by AJC beat/blog writer is that great. Miss the days of Winkelijohn. A question for the Mike Smith and the offensive coordinator is why they didn’t use a running back or tight end to help Sam Baker out. Where was the adjustment? Play after play, Baker was abused and i never saw anyone help him out till the last couple of plays in the game.
What’s up with the punter? Every team can kick the ball out of bounds except the falcons. it will cost the Falcons a game.
If the Falcons don’t improve their o-line, Ryan will be knocked out of a game soon.
I see the Falcons finishing 8-8 or 9-7 for the season.
humperdink
September 19th, 2011
2:31 pm
Meh,
Didn’t he hit him with the shoulder? I’m with you on that one. Also, what about the bad call on Abraham’s late hit. That was ridiculous.
colelinski
September 19th, 2011
2:34 pm
Won in spite of all the pitiful play. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a team with both sides of the ball so far out
of sync.
And I’m not sure Sam Baker could keep his Granny from getting to Ryan. And the rest of the o-line does’nt
do much better.
Could be a very long season.
Sam Bakers Arms
September 19th, 2011
2:41 pm
We just could’nt reach the dude,,,
Joe Tess Fish House
September 19th, 2011
2:57 pm
Its quiet obvous 2 me that Vick was key 2 the Eagels sucess. They where winning when he got injrued. They did not start 2 loose the game until after Vick left adn they had 2 use there 3 string QB
Flacons got lucky again. This wont happen against Green bay and Eric Rogers
old qb
September 19th, 2011
3:08 pm
Hey, quit picking on our punter. Bosher is history–he just doesn’t know it yet. I said last week after the Chicago game he’d be gone by game four. Hey may not make it that long. TD should get UGA’s Butler and Walsh next year and we’ll be set. Bosher needs to find another line of work–and soon.
And why didn’t Mularky put Snelling over on the left side to help Baker? It was obvious to everyone Baker couldn’t handle Cole. this ain’t nuclear science–get the man some help before Ryan gets decaptitated.
And don’t speculate on Vick if he’d stayed in the game. Don’t you remember–Vick never stays in the game.
C
September 19th, 2011
3:11 pm
One of the things that could go the Falcon’s was what that MV is usually good for 2-3 bonehead moves a game. Well….he delivered that just in the first half. Thanks Vick for reminding us of why we are glad you play for another team now.
As for the O-Line and D-Backs, look around the rest of the league. MANY good teams are having difficulties in those areas. Not just ATL. Let’s see how things are gelling in those areas in October before we cry that the sky is falling.
Ivan
September 19th, 2011
3:15 pm
“Joe Tess Fish House
September 19th, 2011
2:57 pm
Its quiet obvous 2 me that Vick was key 2 the Eagels sucess. They where winning when he got injrued. They did not start 2 loose the game until after Vick left adn they had 2 use there 3 string QB
Flacons got lucky again. This wont happen against Green bay and Eric Rogers”
——
I’ll have what he’s having.
Joe Tess Fish House
September 19th, 2011
3:20 pm
Finnaly some 1 agrease with me.
drmaryb (*_-)
September 19th, 2011
3:56 pm
Rosetta Stone!
“Finnaly some 1 agrease with me” – Joe Tess Fish House -
_________________
Wow! If Rosetta Stone can sell, “My Baby Can Read!” DVD’s perhaps she can help this guy learn to spell?
But on second thought, If Joe works for a Fish House, then a “Fin-naly fish – just might be in A Grease-ment.”
You Never know. LOL
fanatic01
September 19th, 2011
3:59 pm
Ivan, who is Eric Rodgers?
Greg Mendel
September 19th, 2011
4:17 pm
Yesterday, most folks didn’t think the Falcons would beat Philly. Today, they don’t seem to think the Falcons won. Yeah, there were mistakes, but Atlanta still won.
And the whining… “If Vick hadn’t gone out…blah, blah, blah…” Injuries are part of the game. That’s why the officials didn’t pause the game and reschedule it for a date and time more convenient for Mike Vick and the Eagles to resume play.
Joe Tess Fish House
September 19th, 2011
4:17 pm
The QB 4 the Packers
NuclearJim
September 19th, 2011
5:01 pm
I am always amazed at the near superhuman powers of some of you. Simply stating as fact that had Vick remained in, the Bird’s lose. What a pack of nitwits. I saw the same game, and it was back and forth more than once. Plus, Vick was in a fumble-mode and was taking hits. No one knows what “would have happened”, just what did happen. You must be the same people who say “if the South had machine guns, “we” would have won the War.
NuclearJim
September 19th, 2011
5:01 pm
But Baker is a HUGE disapointment so far. Peria finally had a big play though. It’s about time.
NuclearJim
September 19th, 2011
5:09 pm
You are correct. It is amazing how many people appear to know for a certainty that the Eagles would have won if only Vik had stayed in. I saw a game going back and forth. Falcon’s up 21 – 10, then down by 10. Then up, and finally, winning.
ATL Observer
September 19th, 2011
5:26 pm
Big win for Matt…he got his butt kicked for three quarters but kept getting up, kept reloading and delivered the drives when the team needed it the most.
That said…..Mike Mularkey needs to be canned. Why is it when the team reverts to a no-huddle…everything’s fine. But when MM is asked to dial up a running play, the only one he’s ever heard of “33 up the gut” (geez, would a sweep or a draw or a reverse or ANYTHING OTHER THAN THAT ONE PLAY kill you?). Offensive line has looked TERRIBLE and if that’s how they play against the elite lines, there will be no playoff successes…..I don’t care if a Montana-Brady-Bradshaw clone is at QB, that type of line play isn’t going to cut it.
Secondary is still bad. Very bad. Not a coincidence that two of the three turnovers were on the carpet. Could have been a couple more, but this D isn’t pulling it off.
I’m still hopeful. I said it: 2-3 after five and we’d be fine. Halfway there!
P Rose
September 19th, 2011
6:41 pm
Someone please tell Weems to take a knee when he catches a kickoff 8 yards deep in the end zone. It’s tough starting drives from the 15 yard line all the time. Those five free extra yards might come in handy sometime.
P Rose
September 19th, 2011
6:48 pm
I recorded the game on my DVR and watched the second half again just now. Collinsworth’s lovefest with Vick, Jackson, Cole, Macklin and McCoy would have been hard to stomach a second time if I hadn’t known the Falcons were going to win.
Falcons dodge 0-2 season start – Atlanta Journal Constitution | CgPage
September 19th, 2011
7:37 pm
[...] All-Falcons Heat Check: Try putting some Matty Ice on that [...]
Sausage King of Chicago
September 19th, 2011
7:48 pm
I liked it when Collingsworth called Julio “a freak…in a good way.” How about calling him a phenomenal athlete. Cheese and rice, Chris, buy a thesaurus!
Maybe the Eagles should bring in Adam Froman as a backup quarterback. I’m just sayin’!
dan
September 19th, 2011
8:30 pm
Jeez… watching that games was miserable! We’ll take the win I suppose, but now we get to hear about how we would have lost if Vick were in there. The drama continues…typical.
I think the nucleus of this team,like the Pittsburgh Steelers, is strong,was which is why I knew last week was fluky for both teams. That being said, we have a lot of work on the O-Line, which means we’ll have to stick with the run game because it’s easier for our line schematically. That sucks because we won’t be able to sling the ball down field like we want to. But you have to go with your team’s strengths, and the offense just moves better when we’re able to establish the run; at least for now.. The secondary was better than last week but still needs improvement. We got some glaring holes but then again so does everyone else, so we’ll just have to see.
dan
September 19th, 2011
8:31 pm
Jeez… watching that games was miserable! We’ll take the win I suppose, but now we get to hear about how we would have lost if Vick were in there. The drama continues…typical.
I think the nucleus of this team,like the Pittsburgh Steelers, is strong, which is why I knew last week was fluky for both teams. That being said, we have a lot of work on the O-Line, which means we’ll have to stick with the run game because it’s easier for our line schematically. That sucks because we won’t be able to sling the ball down field like we want to. But you have to go with your team’s strengths, and the offense just moves better when we’re able to establish the run; at least for now.. The secondary was better than last week but still needs improvement. We got some glaring holes but then again so does everyone else, so we’ll just have to see.
All-Falcons Heat Check: Try putting some Matty Ice on that
September 19th, 2011
8:51 pm
[...] All-Falcons Heat Check: Try putting some Matty Ice on that [...]
Ryan > Vick!
September 19th, 2011
8:58 pm
Vick choked big time in the big game. Ryan owns the Eagles! Bet the house—Falcons beat the Eagles easy in the playoffs, in the Dome!!!!!
7, See ya.
September 19th, 2011
9:41 pm
In the what were they thinking Dept: these guys can’t run off 1:41? Jeez.
Fanatic01
September 19th, 2011
9:46 pm
The packers QB is Aaron Rodgers not Eric Rogers…
FrontRow
September 19th, 2011
10:00 pm
To all those that think we would have lost if Vick stayed in – Mr. Vick was averaging 1 fumble per quarter; when he left the game he still owed us to more fumbles.
To those math challenged let’s just say that means Mr. Vick stays in, we win.
Joe Tess Fish House
September 19th, 2011
10:30 pm
Enter your comments here
Joe Tess Fish House
September 19th, 2011
10:32 pm
Some of U dont no what U R saying. Vick stays in the game and they win. He was repalced by a 3 sting QB who could not move the ball. It took a cheep shot by a cheep chop dirty team 2 get Vick out of the game for the Falcons 2 win.
tyler
September 19th, 2011
10:41 pm
Great win for the Falcons!!! Could it have been better played, ofcourse. There has never been an NFL game where either team could of played better in some facet of the game. I was excited to see Weatherspoon play better and for Jerry to make a huge play, along with Edwards. The Robinson hit in my opnion was good tough football, and from Coach Smith’s comments after the game he agrees. All this crap about him being a cheap shot artist who needs to be cut is ridiculous complaining from fans who seem incapable of enjoying a win. Moan all you want, after 35 years of cheering for the Falcons I’ve learned to enjoy any victory in the most competitive league on the planet.
As for Vick, I was sorry to see him hurt. I think the Falcons would of won the game anyway. Vick’s off the field troubles aside, he was the the most fearless competitor I have ever seen play for Atlanta. I watched for several years as he sacrificed his body for years to make relatively untalented Falcon teams into playoff contenders. I read someone complaining about Dan Reeves comments, but frankly I’m in complete agreement with him. I thought Arthur Blank completely turned his back on Vick when the young man needed him most. Not to mention how much money Vick generated for Blank when he was selling out the Dome for years. Does’nt make me any less of a Falcon fan that I don’t respect Blank, I could’nt care less when the Smith’s owned the team than I do now that Blank owns them. I cheer for the Falcons players and coaches not the owners. Lord knows I pay good money for them to provide me with a good product,to me its recreational and to them they are in business to make money. I’m proud of the way Vick has resurrected his career and life and wish him nothing but the best, but I am much more proud of the Falcons win on Sunday night and look forward to watching them improve as the season goes on.
Philly Vick
September 19th, 2011
10:44 pm
in the playoffs, with Vick playing 60 minutes, the eagles will beat the falcons easy up in Philly. The Eagles will win the division–falcons squeak in with a wild card slot. New Orleans is winning that division.