On the shifty Jacquizz Rodgers and the shifting Mike Smith
"Sometimes I go for it, Greg, and sometimes I don't." (AP photo)
This post is an adjunct to the game column, which can be found here.
1. Jacquizz Rodgers injected some needed sizzle. Owing to his size (5-foot-6, 196 pounds), he’s often dismissed as a change-of-pace back, but his 49 yards on 10 rushes made him the star of a slightly upgraded ground game. Michael Turner had another in a series of indifferent games — 13 carries for 17 yards. On this day, however, the Falcons didn’t go as Turner goes (or doesn’t go). Rodgers gave them speed on the flanks and made the Buccaneers’ defense honor at least the concept of the run. He nearly outgained the heralded Tampa Bay tailback Doug Martin, who carried 21 times for his 50 yards. Could the Falcons have found their new feature back? It’s too early to make that leap, but this game was an indication that options exist beyond Turner.
2. Mike Smith got conservative at the end of the first half. The Falcons’ coach had his offense had his team wait until 22 seconds remained in the half to call timeout ahead of a third-and-11 play at the Tampa Bay 19. That might have been sound strategy, except that Matt Ryan found Julio Jones for 15 yards to the 4, meaning that the Falcons had cut it too fine. In trying to leave the opponent no time to respond, they left themselves too little time (15 seconds) after the conversion that didn’t yield a score. Ryan missed Jones on first-and-goal and threw it away on second down, leaving four seconds for Matt Bryant to try a 22-yard field goal for the lead. Which he missed. Ouch.
3. The same Mike Smith got daring near the end of the second half. Just when you think you’ve got Smitty pegged, he’ll make you rethink. With a minute left and the Falcons ahead by a point and the Buccaneers out of timeouts, the Falcons threw on third-and-18 from the Tampa Bay 37. An incompletion would have meant the Bucs could have gotten the ball back with roughly 50 seconds remaining. Asked if he worried about an incompletion, Matt Ryan said: “Every time I take a snap, I think I’m going to complete it.” Sure enough, he did — to Tony Gonzalez for seven yards. And now the Falcons had Bryant try a 48-yard field goal with 13 seconds left, when a pooch punt might have been the safer play. Bryant missed again, giving the Bucs the ball at their 38 with eight seconds to play. The game ended with Josh Freeman’s pass being batted away in the Falcons’ end zone. Whew.
By Mark Bradley
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136 comments Add your comment
dean
November 26th, 2012
8:50 am
This is a funny game. SD gave up a 4th and 29, yes, 29 yards yesterday. NE scored 3 touchdowns in under a minute the other night.
I see 10-1 and feel mighty blessed to be a Falcons (warts and all) fan these days.
dean
November 26th, 2012
8:51 am
Release me……Releeeeeease me…….
jerry
November 26th, 2012
8:51 am
@GT
The Falcons wear the opponent down, and I think Turner is part of that. The fourth quarter is usually ours
The Falcons were out scored in the 4th quarter 10-7.
Big Donnie
November 26th, 2012
8:53 am
” Could the Falcons have found their new feature back? It’s too early to make that leap, but this game was an indication that options exist beyond Turner.”
What do you mean it’s too early Bradley? There are 5 games left, and Turner continues to show that he is finished. I also liked how we actually used Snelling. Quizz and Snelling need to carry the load. Turner is (again) done.
DC Dirty Bird
November 26th, 2012
8:55 am
Sam,
Better blocking would help any running back. $5 million RB’s shouldn’t need big holes to be effective. They set up their blocks and make their lineman look just as good as the lineman make them look. The guy has no burst once he sees a crease and no burst to get by a lineman chasing him down from the back side. Yes he can still be used…no he shouldn’t get important carries in the first half.
bob W
November 26th, 2012
9:01 am
What happened to the hurry up offense the last few games. better use it vs NO and with Rogers in the backfield not Turner. Next year we need another running back to go with Rogers, like the 3 NO has.
We also still need another pass rusher. Abe is 33 and probably won’t pay much longer.
Say what
November 26th, 2012
9:07 am
“Could the Falcons have found their new feature back? It’s too early to make that leap, but this game was an indication that options exist beyond Turner.”
Have to disagree. Rodgers is a major talent. He and Snelling need to be the backfield tandem, with Turner used late when the defense is tired.
I don’t understand the reluctance to recognize Rodger’s contributions every time he gets a chance. He has been instrumental in many wins this season. It must be becase of his stature and because he breaks the mold — you can’t look at him and say he’s another *insert star’s name*.
loel
November 26th, 2012
9:09 am
By the way,,,,, Turner is not an option. Turner is a waste, a drive killer, What he was in the past is the past. We,who know nothing, knew this all along.
Sanjeev
November 26th, 2012
9:11 am
it baffles me why Turner is still on the roster let alone playing. He’s a washed up has been. Thank you for your service. Time to make Quizz the featured back.
Say what
November 26th, 2012
9:11 am
@DC Dirty Bird, 8:55: Turner had good blocking and Mike Cox opening a crease in the first half and he tip toed into the linemen and went down. It was pathetic and he was pulled right after that, so hopefully the coaches are getting a clue. He is a huge liability at this point.
Section 212
November 26th, 2012
9:17 am
Chris Ivory will be the best RB pick up….Enough about the off season. Let’s focus on getting to 11-1 against a Saints team that will be ripe for a blow out. Falcons fans, here is a hint…traffic will be bad on Thursday evening, so prepare of it and leave for the game an hour earlier than you are currently thinking!
take it from me.
November 26th, 2012
9:25 am
If we play the teams in the playoffs the way we play the regurler season,we will lose in the first round! the Falcons need to start blowing teams away,instead of winning every game by one to three points,thats not the sign of a good team,its called luck!
Dusty
November 26th, 2012
9:25 am
Monday morning quarterbacks. The Bucs could not have been worse at clock management at the end of the game. They wasted over 30 seconds letting the clock run down to the two minute warning. Then took a time out at 1:56. That is bad coaching . Trying for the field goal was risky if it had been blocked – but it wasn’t and the Bucs made the worse of its situation. Short pass eating up half the time left then a Hail Mary.
One last thing, we were constantly reminded that the Bucs are the best team against the rush and worst against the pass. That does not mean the Bucs are best at stopping the rush, it means that their pass defense is so bad that teams pass more than run against them .. Matt Ryan had over 350 yards in the air – the best by any quarterback on Sunday and Julio Jones had over 160 yards receiving which was also the best by any receiver on Sunday. The team with the best defense against the rush is now 6-5 against pretty much the same teams we play. This is a passing league now with the run used to set up the rush. If you cannot defend against the pass you lose. Pure and simple.
BD
November 26th, 2012
9:34 am
The Falcons should trade Turner at the end of the season.
13 fans
November 26th, 2012
9:39 am
Turner’s too fat & too slow !!!
Carzo
November 26th, 2012
9:41 am
Say What: I remember the exact play you are referring to. You are so correct. Fat boy Turner tiptoed up to the backside of Konz and then just fell down with little contact, though Cox block left him a nice opening. I cringe everytime we hand him the ball. And how about that -7 yard carry at the end. Embarrassing.
take it from me.
November 26th, 2012
9:43 am
I say teams that run a balanced attact,and play lights out defence will win it all! teams such as the Texans and 9ers come to mine.
78dawg
November 26th, 2012
9:43 am
How many plays are we going to waste on Turner? I’m sick of giving him the ball. He is a game killer…..
hh2
November 26th, 2012
9:44 am
I’ve been wondering if they would ever really work Jacquizz into the offense full time. Mr Turner has provided some fine running in the past but is just too slow recognizing and hitting what’s there. With bigger holes Turner would probably still do ok but now we need someone quick and ready to hit it.
Jeff H.
November 26th, 2012
9:50 am
I was a big fan of Michael Turner up until this year. Clearly, he is out of gas. He hasn’t broken a big run all season.
Stop the Madness
November 26th, 2012
9:53 am
Mike Smith drives me nuts with his play sheet philosophy of only playing the percentages. He needs to learn how to put teams away early and then he can milk the clock. Problem is he wants to milk the clock with the score only being a field goal or touch down that separates the score. Someone in that front office (namely TD) needs to have a sit down with Smitty before the next game. We need to play aggressive ball on both sides of the ball from here on out. We need to build momentum now!
Jaded
November 26th, 2012
10:00 am
The trademark of a great GM is being able to sell stock right before it plummets. John Schuerholz was a master at this. I love TD, but he should have seen the handwriting on the wall that said Turner was going to hit the wall this year. His performance had slowly eroded over the last couple of years, and he turned 30 – the magic number for when running backs fall off a cliff – shortly after the end of last season. Turner should have been cut in the offseason, and we should have gone with a Rodgers-Snelling tandem.
I love Turner. He was an instrumental part of this franchise’s turnaround in 2008, but he sadly has nothing left to give. It happens to all running backs.
Enkinan
November 26th, 2012
10:02 am
I thought we were done with rushing Turner up the middle for no gain on first down 5+ times a game with a new OC. I was wrong.
gary32
November 26th, 2012
10:03 am
We are the worst 10-1 team in the history of the NFL….coach Smith is a dumb football coach if he wasn’t we would be 11-0…We have played the easiest schedule in the history of the NFL… this team is irrelevant until they win a playoff game…the regular season does not matter…”sarcasm off”…same ole same ole….if this were the Jets…Giants…Packers…or any northern media team this would be one of the greatest teams in football history despite how they have won…the Northern media bias is so obvious its disgusting!!!!
kreedham
November 26th, 2012
10:11 am
I suspect Turner will start all games (Smith not wanting to bruise his ego). I also believe we’ll see Quizz earlier and more often. So what if he doesn’t start!
trademark
November 26th, 2012
10:17 am
Turner is so fat, your Mama gives him diet tips
Fan from '66
November 26th, 2012
10:29 am
Turner is a hindrance to this team. He has no quickness or moves. He runs straight up instead of leaning forward so he rarely breaks a tackle by a defensive lineman. Therefore, when the hole closes he is too late getting there and instead of leaning forward for a three yard gain he gets pushed back for a 1 yard gain or no gain. If he were running behind a powerful offensive line that could blow the defensive line off the ball he might be effective bowling over defensive backs. but, our offensive line can not do that. Therefore, Turner is almost totally ineffective now. It is certainly easier to get a new back than a new offensive line and that is what we must do. It probably can’t be accomplished this year, and it will hurt us in the playoffs if Turner is allowed torun the ball much. If he is on the team next year, I will question the intelligence of the team’s leadership
Dianne
November 26th, 2012
10:38 am
I just love it when all these armchair coaches think they know more about how to coach our team than the man who took us to 5 back-to-back winning seasons and the current 10 & 1 season. Guess we know why he draws his money as a coach & these guys don’t.
Dwayne pn
November 26th, 2012
10:45 am
@ Me Too: How do you “loose” in the playoffs? This a new term to me. I know you can lose in the playoffs or have a playoff loss. Still not sure how to “loose” in the playoffs though.
10-1 is all that matters. Houston goes to OT against two crap teams yet they are dominate. The Ravens had to beat the Chargers in OT and mustered 16 whole points. Yet people want to bash the Falcons. This team has as good a shot as anyone in the NFL to win a title.
Dawgdad (The Original)
November 26th, 2012
10:46 am
That first half decision to let the clock run down was stupid, abysmal, and ultra conservative coaching. End of the game decision was questionable, but if Bryant makes the FG, game over, and Bryant usually makes his kicks, except yesterday.
Falcons 73
November 26th, 2012
10:57 am
I hate to say that I’m not satisfied with a 10-1 football team, but I am (not satisfied) and here’s the reason why. While I believe that Mike Smith is a terrific coach, he often reverts back to Marty ball when he/the team gets pushed into a corner. The obvious weakness with Tampa’s defense was their 32nd ranked pass defense and Marty, I mean Mike, insisted on trying to play smash mouth football at the beginning of the game (and throughout). And for the love of all that is holy, why in God’s name does Mike Smith keep running Turner out on the field without any success. It’s obvious to all that can see, that Turner no longer as the ability to hit the hole aggressively and really does’t need to be receiving any carries at the moment. If you look back on earlier comments from Todd McClure, it’s not totally the o-lines fault for the lack of running success (as apparent by Rodger’s ability to create and hit seams for a MUCH higher per yard a carry).
The Falcons could have clearly come out aggressive and put Tampa on their heels by gaining a lead via the pass, but Smith had to show that the Falcons could go toe to toe with T.B on the line of scrimmage. Mike, please stop messing around with anything that resembles play calling and let your coordinators call their own game.
Falcons 73
November 26th, 2012
10:57 am
I hate to say that I’m not satisfied with a 10-1 football team, but I am (not satisfied) and here’s the reason why. While I believe that Mike Smith is a terrific coach, he often reverts back to Marty ball when he/the team gets pushed into a corner. The obvious weakness with Tampa’s defense was their 32nd ranked pass defense and Marty, I mean Mike, insisted on trying to play smash mouth football at the beginning of the game (and throughout). And for the love of all that is holy, why in God’s name does Mike Smith keep running Turner out on the field without any success. It’s obvious to all that can see, that Turner no longer as the ability to hit the hole aggressively and really does’t need to be receiving any carries at the moment. If you look back on earlier comments from Todd McClure, it’s not totally the o-lines fault for the lack of running success (as apparent by Rodger’s ability to create and hit seams for a MUCH higher per yard a carry).
The Falcons could have clearly come out aggressive and put Tampa on their heels by gaining a lead via the pass, but Smith had to show that the Falcons could go toe to toe with T.B on the line of scrimmage. Mike, please stop messing around with anything that resembles play calling and let your coordinators call their own game.
gary32
November 26th, 2012
11:02 am
Totally disagree, I think Smith did the right thing coming out and running…they were expecting us to pass all over them and when we came out and ran it…it opened up the passing game because they had to respect the run…as for Turner I do agree with you he should be used only in special situations…he has obviously lost a step and Rodgers and Snelling should be the main backs…Snelling killed them on screen passes yesterday.
Dash Riprock
November 26th, 2012
11:04 am
1.3 yards per carry versus 4.9 yards per carry. Exactly what is it that makes this decision so difficult?
On the other hand, I doubt there is a single solution for the team that ranks #30 in yards per attempt and Rodgers’ season averages are only slightly less terrible than Turner’s.
Mr. Hankey
November 26th, 2012
11:14 am
If Chris Ivory is a free agent let’s snap him up. He plays with moxy. Not crazy about the dreads though, not much we can do about that. Sorry M Turner, you have eaten yourself out of shape. I bet you’re 260 if a pound.
Dan
November 26th, 2012
11:14 am
Think it’s funny when in all the pregame the talk is all about how Tampa is the hottest team in the league and how they are this weeks “team you don’t want to see in the playoffs” but after Falcons beat them they are really not that good
Aints Lose!
November 26th, 2012
11:15 am
“Despite the shortcomings, the Buccaneers held the lead with 10 minutes to go in the fourth quarter, but simply could not close out the win. Tampa, which has the best rush defense in the NFL could not stop the plodding Michael Turner from reaching the end zone with 7:55 remaining.”
http://www.thepigskinreport.com/2012/11/tampa-bay-buccaneers-squander-a-golden-opprtunity-vs-falcons/
Mike Smith
November 26th, 2012
11:16 am
Fans, don’t be so quick to judge Michael Turner. He’s still an EXPLOSIVE running back, and we need to keep our ZOOM FOCUS. You see, our football team is still in the PROCESS.
Gbirdatl
November 26th, 2012
11:31 am
Amazing all you Monday morning head coaches! Dump Turner for Moreno, Jacobs, whoever?! You’re nuts. Call the right plays for 33 and he is a killer- more explosive starts like the play he scored on instead of dives into the middle. Our undermanned O-line is the problem with the run game. We need to pull the guards and get them a running start instead of playing to their weakness blocking inside. That’s using your personnel properly.
Don’t forget we are a PASSING offense.
jw
November 26th, 2012
11:33 am
83rd! Nailed it!!!!!!!!
Why not enjoy the ride? As scary close and nail biting tough as it might be – let’s enjoy it.
We have a golden horseshoe right now, let’s carry it deep into into the playoffs – these close games are mettle for bigger things later on!!!!!!
We don’t get many chances like this – enjoy it.
Gbirdatl
November 26th, 2012
11:37 am
Mike Smith is a great coach. He needs to work with Koetter to get this offens more balanced. If you look at each of the eleven games you see a pattern. The further we get away from a 50/50 run/pass ratio, the harder it is for us to build and maintain leads and the closer we play the opponent.
You still need to be able to run for first downs to close out games especially with all the explosive offenses in the league.
diamonddaveincali
November 26th, 2012
11:47 am
anyone hear from Matt”choke” ryan? HiramSaint? STB4 and his alias? yeah, losing will shut almost everyone up. Here is your comeback to someone dogging the falcons. The Texans, almost lost to the lowly Lions on turkey day, they went to oT for the second game. their vaunted D was gashed. Why isnt anyone not trusting this team? Schaub doesnt have playoff experience?
the ravens, yet again played to their opponents level. they had to go to overtime to beat SD. Norv will be fired this year, count on it, but i dont hear why the ravens are not playing well.
see in the end all that matters is win in the post season and you get new respect. Funny how these two teams get respect even when they arent playing well.
well falcon fans it evident we dont get any respect. MARCH ON DIRTY BIRDS!
LuellaStevens
November 26th, 2012
11:53 am
I am so glad that coach Mike Smith was willing to make the adjustment against Tampa and allow Jacquis Rodgers to get a couple of touches in short yardage situations. Turner still scored his touchdown and I think everybody was happy. I also notice that Jason Snelling is getting a few more touches in games. FOLKS, THAT IS THE FORMULA FOR WINNING THE SUPERBOWL. Basically have a balanced running game with an explosive passing game. The Falcons have all of that and more and I think that the Falcons realize that they are on the CUSP OF GREATNESS. I think the Falcons are due for a breakout game (hopefully this thursday against the Saints) where the Falcons go and dominate, put up 50 plus points on the board, and finally win a game going away instead of all of these nailbiters. If you have a heart condition, I dont think you should follow the Falcons. It seems like all of their victories come in heart-stopping fashion. Go Falcons-win the superbowl in January!
Vic
November 26th, 2012
11:54 am
I REALLY think Smith is sand bagging the play calling, waiting for the playoffs to “unleash” the Offense and Defense.Giving our playoff apponents no film to study. We are winning by being smart and generic, low penalties. We are on pace to peak in the playoffs.
The Kicker, he missed a field goal in the DOME, home field !!(vs NO) Time to look for another kicker.
I’m not complaining, its always great to be a Falcon fan, especially this season.
Rodster
November 26th, 2012
11:59 am
Hey, a win in the NFL is a win. There’s no style points and most games are very close. Good for the Falcons. I think they are a pretty good team that could keep going in the playoffs.
yeahsure
November 26th, 2012
12:02 pm
Jaquizz + Chris Ivory would be awesome. Plus we get our FB back next.
I am encouraged with the playing time jaquizz got Sunday. I do not mind putting Turner in on some plays to get him some rest. However, if we are calling a screen, there is no way it should go to Turner. Dude is slow enough WITH momentum.
Macon Fan
November 26th, 2012
12:07 pm
Re: The field goal attempts. According to some here, the Falcons should just cut the FG kicker because the Coach should know he’s going to miss the kick. No point of even having a kicker if you don’t think he’s going to make field goals.
Chuck
November 26th, 2012
12:10 pm
Turner has the speed of a pulling guard, and goes down about as easy as a punter who’s picked up a bad snap. One touch to his ankle and he is looking for a soft landing. Who cares how powerful he looks when the holes close by the time he gets there, and the first defender will have him on the ground 80% of the time – even if that defender is already on the ground.
He has been stealing money for 2+ seasons; Rogers has broken more tackles THIS season than Turner has over that 2+, and he deserves the start.
Falcons 73
November 26th, 2012
12:11 pm
Here’s an article by Pat Yasinskas, with whom I rarely agree with but he’s right on the money this time.
http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcsouth/post/_/id/42157/falcons-need-to-play-to-strengths
Hillbilly D
November 26th, 2012
12:14 pm
Looks to me like Rogers has what Turner doesn’t have anymore, quickness.