Falcons-Lions Recap: Falcons Answer The Call
by Caleb Rutherford on Oct 24, 2011 4:41 PM EDT
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Like Jeanna, I believe being a Falcons fan is taking years off of my life, except I'm 23 and it's shaving too many years too quickly.
In any case, I posed the question "Will the real Falcons show up?" a few days ago and, by and large, I believe the real Falcons did show up: a gritty, tough performance by the defense and a grind-it-out, never-give-up offensive performance that did exactly what it needed to do to win against a tough Lions team that has surprised a lot of folks this year.
I likened this year's Lions to 2008 us. We surprised a lot of people that year, but we were still beaten by some good teams. I still consider the Lions to be like 2008 us: a surprisingly good team that will still be put in its place by a contender. That's right, folks, I said contender.
Join me after the jump for the specifics!
So glad we were able to win this week, it makes my school week so much better.
The Good
There was a lot of good this week.
Anybody but Baker: Pretty sure James said something of that nature and posed the question of "We'll see if people still think this after the game." And, well, I think more people think it, now. Svitek played admirably in Baker's absence and, save for that freak ankle injury, was largely invisible. As a LT, you can't ask for much else.
Tony Gonzalez: So happy he's on our team. The GOAT TE continues to defy age and is now #2 all-time in number of receptions. And on top of that, he's a great guy. It's a real honor to have a guy like him on our team.
The Defense: What a good effort by the D in this game. Calvin Johnson is a freak, and I'll be darned if Grimes (and Dunta, at times as well) didn't hold him in check. CJ's TD was somewhat of a weird play, both on the offensive and defensive side of the ball, and I attribute that to blown coverage. Pretty sure any WR in that position would've scored. It just happened to be their best guy, as it should be. Kudos to them for pulling it off.
The third down defense was astounding. I forget the actual numbers, but we held them to a ridiculously low percentage on third down. Abe was in on the fun, as was Spoon, and Ray Edwards was in the backfield a bunch as well. Just a great all-around effort by the whole defense, but special mention goes to...
Corey Peters: Big 1-tech tackles never get enough credit, but for the second week in a row, you made a game changing play. That fingernail of yours saved us from possibly losing the game, and you deserve props. You also had some good defensive stops as well. Hard to believe we drafted you and most of us fans didn't know much of anything about you. That's looking like a heck of a pick by the front office, as is Spoon.
$$$ Bryant: This guy is the man. He's now the Falcons record holder for most consecutive field goals made in the regular season, if I recall the stat correctly. Also really glad we resigned him in the offseason.
Special Weems: He had a return for a TD that was called back by a penalty, but I'm glad to see he's still got the super returns we all know and love.
I'm sure there's more love to go around. Turner had a couple good runs, Matty looked good at times, including that gorgeous TD pass to Roddy, which was equally as good a catch. Credit to BVG for the defensive gameplan. Detroit scored one TD, folks. One.
The Bad
Matty's Not-Good Passes: I'll be the first to say that some of his overthrows were good throws. He put the ball in a position to where it was our ball or nobody's ball. It takes a skilled quarterback to do that consistently. However, for every pass that was like that, there was also an errant one. Matty didn't have his best game, and the D bailed him out several times. But when it counted, Matty made it happen, including another solid no huddle performance.
Garrett Reynolds: For the love of Pete, RGGR, you had some really fail moments in this game. Several penalties, including consecutive false starts, are not acceptable.
Stupid Penalties: We had several stupid penalties in this game, a lot of which were more because of a lack of discipline. Need to fix those.
I'm sure there was more, but we played pretty well, so I'm easy on the bad, except for....
The Ugly
Bosher's Punting: Yuck. Just yuck.
Game MVP: It's Matty Ice, without a doubt. The way his ankle was turned, I thought for sure it was broken, but dang if this dude isn't like "Tape it up, I have a game to win." and misses all of two offensive plays. Two! And then fires a strike to HD which went for 40+ yards. How ridiculous is that?
Sound of the Game: Victory.
In a Word: Close.
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Comments
After the bye we will be able to get rolling again but incorporate Julio a little at a time until
We explode on to the scene! We just might hit or stride at the right time.
"I'm about rings now"
~Arthur Blank
by CollegePark4Life on Oct 24, 2011 4:56 PM EDT reply actions
Agree...
with most of it…except (is this really shocking):
Bosher, and I am one of the biggest Bosher Bashers (sounds like a club in the making). He did a good job of pinning them behind the 20 several times and his kicks were high enough to get the coverage down field (which has actually been one of his strengths all alone, our coverage has been really good this year…and we do have allot of speed on ST).
Heck, event his kick offs are starting to make the end zone with more regularity. So for now I am backing off on Bosher, yeah, I wish his average was a little better but his punt placement is getting allot better which is really what you want out of your punter anyway.
Disclaimer: I reserve the right to fall back to Bashing Bosher should he revert back to the lame duck he was to start the season…that is all
April 1974 - Tug McGraw, when asked if he preferred grass or AstroTurf: "I don't know. I never smoked AstroTurf."
i think it was woman problems
Romo, Tiger (Woods) and maybe now Bosher.
I know i’d be shanking kicks without my main squeeze.
But anyways I think Bosher has mildly done better. (not yet out of the woods)
This Blog is notorious for not letting up on past and recent failures of players.
Chris Houston, JA98, Chris Owens, SB72, maybe even BR20 before 2009, even when they do better or well enough that their name isn’t called.
by brotherbrown on Oct 24, 2011 7:16 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
His kickoffs were better.
His punting, especially the non-pinning ones, were still 35 yards. Can’t have that.
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by Caleb Rutherford on Oct 24, 2011 5:38 PM EDT up reply actions
I cringe whenever he Punts
I just have a bad feeling something will go terribly wrong, but it seems to be getting better.
by Falcons1133 on Oct 25, 2011 10:31 AM EDT up reply actions
I cringe...
whenever we have a lead and the 3rd quater starts!!!
April 1974 - Tug McGraw, when asked if he preferred grass or AstroTurf: "I don't know. I never smoked AstroTurf."
by Blood_Talon on Oct 25, 2011 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions
Also
the one thing that got me was that we had a kickoff do-over because of an offsides.
He kicked the first one 5 yards deep into the end zone.
The ball was moved back 5 yards.
….he still kicked the ball 5 yards into the endzone.
He’s probably just messing with us at this point.
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by Caleb Rutherford on Oct 24, 2011 5:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Noticed the same thing
So, it’s not a leg strength issue. And the kid’s accuracy has been pretty good. I think he’s done enough to earn the spot for the next week. If he can start pounding out 40 to 45 per punt, we’ll be ok.
I agree
I’ve seen some marked improvement in distance, placement, and hangtime from his punts, and his kickoffs are regularly getting into the end zone.
I thought Bosher did relatively well
He pinned the Lions close to their end zone. His low average may result from the fact that he didn’t have to punt that far to pin the lions. He still can get a LOT better though.
Bosher's punting was not bad yesterday
His hangtime on punts and kickoffs is getting rather extraordinary, in fact. I remember on each kickoff waiting….and waiting for the ball to come back into the screen. His punting has been average, but his hangtime (and thus coverage on returns) has again be extraordinary. This is clearly something the Falcons coaches want their Punters to do, since Koenen was handled the same way.
As for RGGR, experiment over. Done. Finished. Ka-put. Bring in Mike Johnson already. Sure, RGGR was going up against Suh, and Suh in fact did have one of his best and most consistent games of the season, but I think at this point there’s nothing to lose in terms of giving MJ a try.
Also, William Moore
has become defective tackling machine. He’s missing way too many tackles. His coverage is getting better, but he needs to step up on tackling. Like ‘Spoon was apt to do, he’s relying too much on the big hit than wrapping up. What the hell did they teach them at Mizzou. This is a problem that will get fixed, as we’ve seen with ’Spoon becoming dominant.
One note on 'Spoon and Lofton
They’re both in the top-6 in tackles for linebackers league-wide. They’re both having very, very good years so far.
Love Spoon's sack celebration.
Epic eating celebration.
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by Caleb Rutherford on Oct 24, 2011 8:46 PM EDT up reply actions
He keeps a Spoon around his Forearm
Never know when you might get hungry during a game.
by Falcons1133 on Oct 25, 2011 10:46 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah...
I see “Pro-Bowl” in their future (well a selection anyway but I really hope they are playing in a much different game around that time!!)
April 1974 - Tug McGraw, when asked if he preferred grass or AstroTurf: "I don't know. I never smoked AstroTurf."
by Blood_Talon on Oct 25, 2011 10:14 AM EDT up reply actions
Bad shoulder,
hard to tackle without your shoulders. He’s still a stud.
I dunno KMarch. A 35 yd punt from your 20 is still a 35 yard punt even w/a huge hangtime
But I do agree about RGGR. THREE false starts? Two of em back to back? Even if u look the other way on those plays, his blocking has been below average at best. I do worry that Johnson hasn’t been able to take advantage of his poor play and jump over him in the lineup. Yes he had a concussion in Pre season but we’re almost halfway thru the season, you step up and get yourself the job.
Mike johnson
was injured in the game on Sunday, with the bye week and depending on the degree of the injury, he may have a chance.
by Whyte Bler 000 on Oct 24, 2011 7:52 PM EDT up reply actions
hopefully we never have to play in Jerry Jones land
cant hang punts up or they will hit the ridiculous jumbo screen
Turned 23 on the 18th of this month.
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by Caleb Rutherford on Oct 24, 2011 5:38 PM EDT up reply actions
buon compleanno per vuoi!
that’s Italian for Happy Birthday to you!
Brad James
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With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!
by the new Bradfather on Oct 24, 2011 5:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Grazie!
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by Caleb Rutherford on Oct 24, 2011 5:41 PM EDT up reply actions
Happy Birthday Bro,
You’re still a babe in the woods, my friend. Enjoy it brother!
Evil Falcon
by falconplanet on Oct 24, 2011 7:55 PM EDT up reply actions
Happy birthday!
And great writeup! I almost used that Roddy White photo for mine because that catch was so freaking fantastic. I could not stop watching the highlight of it for about 20 minutes.
by Jeanna Thomas on Oct 24, 2011 10:40 PM EDT up reply actions
wow i turned 21 on the 18th
nice coincidence and happy bday to you sir
Happy B-Day my man!!
April 1974 - Tug McGraw, when asked if he preferred grass or AstroTurf: "I don't know. I never smoked AstroTurf."
If you were looking for Ugly...
how about Antone Smith and RGGR (yeah, I am upgrading him to Ugly). These 2 alone cost us 10 points. The TD call back due to Antone Smith and the back-to-back penalties by RGGR that took us out of field goal range…just absolutely unacceptable!!!
April 1974 - Tug McGraw, when asked if he preferred grass or AstroTurf: "I don't know. I never smoked AstroTurf."
Matt Ryan's leg injury
is the example of “bend, but don’t break.”
Atlanta will win a championship....someday
He was lucky in that he fell about as soon as it happened.
His weight was shifted just right. Still can’t believe he came back so quickly
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by Caleb Rutherford on Oct 24, 2011 5:41 PM EDT up reply actions
it's like some hollywood movie
maybe it was in the NBA.
Someone gets seriously hurt, and miraculous comes back and makes plays
A la Rajon Rondo
by brotherbrown on Oct 24, 2011 7:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Matty "Rubberman"
When they showed the replay my first thought was, “well, our season is over”….no, idea how something didn’t snap.
by Falcons1133 on Oct 25, 2011 10:43 AM EDT up reply actions
Nice job Falcons!
I did watch the film and the game was outstanding for Atlanta, that is the way to do it. I knew this team had potential! I wonder if Julio was part of what wasn’t going right, I know it’s ridiculous to suggest but you never want key players hurt
Brad James
Follow me on Twitter
With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!
by the new Bradfather on Oct 24, 2011 5:39 PM EDT reply actions
i though Julio going down
might be a blessing in disguise, because of Matt Ryan forcing the ball to him at inopportune times (not sure if it’s MR2 or Mularkey),
I think however when he comes back, he may be more of a impact positively.
by brotherbrown on Oct 24, 2011 7:24 PM EDT up reply actions
Let's hope so!
Brad James
Follow me on Twitter
With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!
by the new Bradfather on Oct 24, 2011 8:05 PM EDT up reply actions
HD proved his worth Sunday
Matt just need to work on getting the ball to him more when JJ returns.
by Falcons1133 on Oct 25, 2011 11:14 AM EDT up reply actions
yeah Julio wasn't the problem
it was the going to Julio too much that was the problem
Atlanta will win a championship....someday
I don't think so either...
how could any of the offensive woah’s be placed on our rookie WR. MR is struggling with his accuracy a little…happens to everyone, even the good QB’s.
JJ is doing pretty darn good for a rook…
April 1974 - Tug McGraw, when asked if he preferred grass or AstroTurf: "I don't know. I never smoked AstroTurf."
by Blood_Talon on Oct 25, 2011 10:20 AM EDT up reply actions
Ryan and TG was rough at first
If you happen to remember a couple years ago. I remember TG was getting catches but it seemed Ryan was too focused on him and something was off. Now they have a great rythm. I think JJ will take the team to that next level, it just takes a little time. Douglas proved he deserves to be that third option, just hope Ryan & Coaches don’t forget about him when Julio returns.
by Falcons1133 on Oct 25, 2011 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions
Plus
no matter how much they worked out in the offseason, that’s not the same as a real OTA, and Roddy/Matty’s best season was when they both had a full offseason to work together. Jury on Julio’s gonna be out for a while. He’s a heck of a ballplayer, though.
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by Caleb Rutherford on Oct 25, 2011 11:19 AM EDT up reply actions
No, it was everything
Defense playing too soft (they’ve gotten more aggressive the last few weeks)
Offense running a few times up the middle, getting nothing, and abandoning it for throws that are either deep bombs or 3 yard completions on 3rd and 10. Which was then compounded with an O-line that did absolutely nothing.
I'll agree that Bosher did a good job of pinning the opponent inside the 20.
But we still can’t have 35 yard punts not pinning them inside the 20, I don’t care how good the coverage is. That’s akin to a 15 yard return on a 50 yard punt and we probably wouldn’t be too happy with that.
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by Caleb Rutherford on Oct 24, 2011 5:44 PM EDT reply actions
Well, like I said...
I am still not happy with the average yards per punt but improved accuracy is a huge plus (like Opra-huge plus!!).
As far as the
He’s probably just messing with us at this point.
Yeah, I don’t buy that as 1) I am pretty sure you were just kidding and 2) not really good for job security to be screwing around like that your first year on the job…hahaha. But, what do I know…??
April 1974 - Tug McGraw, when asked if he preferred grass or AstroTurf: "I don't know. I never smoked AstroTurf."
Was just joking.
I have no idea what his deal is. He was pretty good in college, if I remember right.
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by Caleb Rutherford on Oct 24, 2011 6:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Punting averages in college for our waste of a 6th rounder:
40.2, 40, 42.5, 44. So basically he was an average punter in college and he is now an, at best, below average punter for us. I think we (stupidly) drafted him because he was a P & PK for Miami. Perhaps trying to resurrect Moras failed attempt at saving a roster spot w/a 2 in 1 kicker. He was a waste of a pick and even if he started to average 44 net on his kicks, I’d still say he was a wasted pick.
We needed leverage on Matt Bryant
so consider it a draft pick decently spent. We signed him for less, and got a possibly serviceable punter.
by TheAreopagite on Oct 25, 2011 8:23 AM EDT up reply actions
If we needed leverage then waste a 7th rounder
If we needed leverage sign a few of the 500 FA PK’s out there to gently push Bryant into signing a better deal. He was a reach and no matter how many times they try to force the Kool aid down our throats with “his arrow is pointing up” talk, he’s not doing the job.
by aces666high on Oct 25, 2011 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions
I was impressed with Svitek
I honestly would not mind starting over Baker permanently.
And Roddy just put a pic up on twitter of Babineaux in a mask and asked if anyone could name the player for two tix to the Saints. Tweeted Bab 14 seconds too late.</3
We may have found our "Big Nasty" in Will Svitek
To say he had a solid game would be an understatement. Vanden Bosch is no slouch so it was awesome to see our LT not get manhandled for a change. I’m sure the coaches took notice and will give him some extended playing time against Indy. As bad as Indy has been they still have 2 great pass rushers in Robert Mathis and Freeney. Jamaal Anderson has also been playing well for them. I’d really like to see how Svitek fares against them. I know it may be a bit premature but he has shown more in 1 start than Baker has the whole year. I’ll try not to get too excited just yet for in the words of the great Bill Parcells: “Lets wait awhile before we bring out the annointing oil”
"Lets wait awhile before we bring out the annointing oil"
I been trying to find that video of him saying “Put the annoiting oil away, okay” No luck
by brotherbrown on Oct 24, 2011 7:26 PM EDT up reply actions
This was posted on Yahoo! "Suh: Ryan’s brief injury was ‘karma’ for Falcons"
“Ndamukong Suh(notes) is firing back at the Falcons, saying quarterback Matt Ryan’s(notes) brief injury Sunday was "karma" and hinting that Atlanta has been guilty of dirty play.
Ryan was hurt in the third quarter of a 23-16 win over Suh’s Detroit Lions.
Atlanta players told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that Suh and fellow defensive lineman Cliff Avril(notes) taunted the quarterback while he was down.
Ryan tweaked a knee when offensive lineman Will Svitek(notes) stepped on his left ankle, but he came back in the game a short while later.
Suh said: "To me it’s karma for all the bad stuff they’ve done in the past. Their offensive lineman hurt their own quarterback."
by !AtlFalcons-fan! on Oct 24, 2011 6:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Ndouchebag.
Rule #1: Double tap.
by Ball Hawk on Oct 24, 2011 6:10 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
Ndamukong Suh's Mom just sent me one of his High School photos...I think she's pissed at him too...
April 1974 - Tug McGraw, when asked if he preferred grass or AstroTurf: "I don't know. I never smoked AstroTurf."
The NDelta Bravo?
Brad James
Follow me on Twitter
With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!
by the new Bradfather on Oct 24, 2011 8:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Wow...
you guys are a tough crowd this week…I thought this was pretty damn funny…hahaha
April 1974 - Tug McGraw, when asked if he preferred grass or AstroTurf: "I don't know. I never smoked AstroTurf."
by Blood_Talon on Oct 25, 2011 10:00 AM EDT up reply actions
Very Funny!
Scary, I think I knew that Guy! Too many of them.
by Falcons1133 on Oct 25, 2011 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions
If Matt's injury was karma
we must have some good karma. Not entirely sure Matt was even injured. Rolled ankle instead of broken ankle seems like good karma to me.
But Stafford was rocked, and they lost the game. If we want to talk karma, I think it was on our side.
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by Caleb Rutherford on Oct 24, 2011 8:23 PM EDT up reply actions
I don't understand any of it!!
These guys are not event a rival team for us (although some might say by just being in the NFC makes them one…some might say).
I think they should save their crap for GB and we should save our animosity for the Aint’s (and they actually deserve it…hahaha).
April 1974 - Tug McGraw, when asked if he preferred grass or AstroTurf: "I don't know. I never smoked AstroTurf."
by Blood_Talon on Oct 25, 2011 10:04 AM EDT up reply actions
The Game Meant Something
The timing of it and the teams playing is probably the reason. Falcons desperately needed to win to prove they were still a top team in the league and do it versus a quality opponent. And Detroit wanted to prove they were more than just hype after the SF game.
by Falcons1133 on Oct 25, 2011 11:04 AM EDT up reply actions
i hate people that uses karma as justification
even though my ex used that against me several times
Reason being (they want bad stuff to happen to other people, but don’t want you to do the same…hypocrites – usually used by people that have a history of struggling)
Secondly they usually talk about Karma against really good hearted people that don’t deserve it. If Matty Ryan was Phillip Rivers, then I’m okay with Suh. But Ryan is more like Tebow/Brees character…just a good guy.
by brotherbrown on Oct 24, 2011 7:31 PM EDT up reply actions
I just read that
Incredible. I mean i knew the guy was a d!ck and he already had a rep for being a dirty player, but that’s just amazing. “This is karma”??? Really? That’s your answer. And when asked if he said anything to Ryan, he wouldn’t comment. What a moron.
It makes the fact that we beat them all the more satisfying.
by cheshire falcon on Oct 24, 2011 7:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Maybe it's not karma -- maybe we can call it God sending a warning to the Falcons
This stuff wouldn’t have even come up if those dicks Roddy and Toddy hadn’t shot off their mouths spouting verifiable BS about Detroit players “kicking at Ryan’s feet”. Did the morons think no one would see the replays?
BTW, every team in the league talks about how dirty the Atlanta team is. I wonder how Dunta Robinson is celebrating his most recent fine…
I hate it when the Packers win, but I’m sure glad they crushed the Falcons the last couple of games.
No slogans. Just win!!!
Every team in the league?
He’s celebrating his fine being reduced, because it was still a legal hit, no matter which way you slice it.
Pretty sure 3/4 of the league hasn’t said a thing about the Falcons.
And there’s a difference between playing dirty and playing through the whistle. Playing dirty is kicking a Pack player in the balls. Playing dirty does not = playing through the whistle. Of anyone being considered “dirty” in the league, Suh is getting way more attention than any Falcon, most likely because Suh is more likely to be considered dirty of the two. BJ Raji whined about it because he was shut down for most of the game and opened his mouth because his team won.
I could see where Roddy would make something like that up, he has a big mouth, but McClure, “Toddy”, in your terms, would not make that up. Ever.
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by Caleb Rutherford on Oct 24, 2011 10:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Wow
Just another pathetic sore loser spouting garbage. The whole problem with DET is not how dirty Suh is, or if Fairley is going to follow in his footsteps but just how big a douche bag their coach is.
The last loss to GB was not a “crush”. I can’t wait until DET plays NO and GB.
yeah that's what i was saying
even if he’s right
the whole league does this.
its hypocrisy
NO will be blitz happy.
by brotherbrown on Oct 25, 2011 12:01 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah true...
note to Detroit…get all of your “I am so pissed we lost” insults ready for the GB and Aint’s boards…so sad…
April 1974 - Tug McGraw, when asked if he preferred grass or AstroTurf: "I don't know. I never smoked AstroTurf."
by Blood_Talon on Oct 25, 2011 10:07 AM EDT up reply actions
I liked the Lions better when they were 0-16.
Who knew a few wins would make them so obnoxious?
by Jeanna Thomas on Oct 25, 2011 5:19 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
How sad is it
that you come to stick up for your team by citing another team’s recent wins over us?
by Gallant Gambler on Oct 25, 2011 12:46 AM EDT up reply actions
haha - a textbook example of how not to talk trash
“I hate it when the Packers win, but i’m sure glad they crushed the Falcons the last couple of games.”
First, a quick lesson on coming to someone else’s board and talking $h!t, since you obviously have no clue what you’re doing – NEVER talk trash about what another team because yoru own team couldn’t get the job done. That’s just pathetic.
Second, when asked whether he was taunting Ryan when he was on the ground, Suh didn’t deny it. He just said he wouldn’t comment on it. So where you get the idea this was “verifiable BS” is beyond me. Don’t you think Suh would have denied it if it was verifiable?
Third, sorry, but every team in the league doesn’t think the Falcons are dirty – i know you have to tell yourself that to justify having a prick like Suh on your team, but it’s not true. However, even if it were true, that would be a hilarious observation coming from a Lions fan, who every team in the league actually DOES think is dirty. If there’s one team in the league that better pray karma doesn’t exist, it’s the Lions.
Is that all, or did you have more delusional b.s. to spew?
by cheshire falcon on Oct 25, 2011 10:29 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
i know the packers are the center of your universe
but “every team” isn’t just the packers
Atlanta will win a championship....someday
suddenly
I’m finding myself not even rooting for them when they play GB and NO. hope that arrogant Rogers and Brees torch his ass and make him feel sorry for this karma reference. we can take care of ourselves.
Atlanta Falcons fan in Moscow, Russia
Detroit have fallen from my 3rd favourite team (Falcons, then Rams) to my last
Well done – you made me hate something more than the Cowboys, Saints and Bucs Suh. Well done. That’s genuinely impressive.
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by Turner_The_Burner on Oct 25, 2011 5:52 AM EDT up reply actions
More hate than Saints and Bucs?
How is that even possible?
by Falcons1133 on Oct 25, 2011 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions
Saints fan here
I will say when Suh was taunting while Matt Ryan was hurting on the ground was totally classless. That was not cool in my book. I’m all for a hard nosed fighting clean injury football game, but trash talking to a player who’s injured is totally wrong!
Suh is beginning to be on my hate list for his actions.
I spent 8 years trying to reach him...and then another 7 trying to keep him locked up because I realized what was living behind that boy's eyes was purely and simply...Evil.
Dr. Sam Loomis Aka (Donald Pleasence)
Edit Reply
Clean injury free football game
I spent 8 years trying to reach him...and then another 7 trying to keep him locked up because I realized what was living behind that boy's eyes was purely and simply...Evil.
Dr. Sam Loomis Aka (Donald Pleasence)
Agreed!
And no more taunting injured players. Not cool and very classless!
I spent 8 years trying to reach him...and then another 7 trying to keep him locked up because I realized what was living behind that boy's eyes was purely and simply...Evil.
Dr. Sam Loomis Aka (Donald Pleasence)
I know right?!?
You don’t touch my quarterback.
Be sure to check out this week's Best Case/Worst Case article here.
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by Turner_The_Burner on Oct 25, 2011 10:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Shaving years off your life?
Try having been a fan of this organization for nearly 30 years. These days are far from the most trying in the franchise’s history.
i liked suh
but hes looing like more and more of a ryan leaf. not skillwise, but attitude-wise
Ingredients for a NCAA Championship: Kemba Walker, Jeremy Lamb, Alex Oriakhi, etc.
Some things that trouble me
about Bosher are that he hasn’t been able to consistently kick the ball deep /out of the endzone on kickoffs. How many times has there been a touchback? How’s he rank against the other 31 kickers in the league? It seems like he always allows the other team to return it. The other thing that bothers me is his low average for punts. He’s had a couple above average games but he’s still last in punting average. Can we bring in someone to tryout at least? He seems to perform better when his job is threatened. I’d like them to bring in a few guys, including a dependable veteran, to challenge him for punting and kickoff duties.
If we were going to bring in a challenger, it woulda happend already
They like him for some stupid reason. My guess is they don’t want to admit how badly they reached for a punter in the draft.
I also expect we will see some fines
coming out of the Commish’s office. I can’t see the Lion’s Dline getting away with some of those actions without having to pay the piper.
A W is a W is a W
3 Ws, one for each of the “phases” (as Smitty likes to say).
Offense:
Not the best performance but, they did enough to win the game. I don’t really think running 90% of our runs at the strength of their D line was good game planning. I would have liked to see more off-tackle and counter plays. We also have a little guy called Jaquizz Rodgers who has a knack for getting key first downs. I am aware of the Turner 20 rule. Run Turner 20 times and 100+ yards and we win.
However, I think if we can use Quizz a little more, the rushing production will stay the same. He has shown the ability to play at this level. He should be getting 10 touches a game. Keep turner at 20 carries a game, don’t let him get near 30. We can use him on off-tackles, counters, sweeps, screens (need some pracice though), and check down throws.
On the passing side of the ball, Ryan looked off yesterday, some of his throws were brilliant, and others just horrible. When was the last time he missed Roddy on a downfield throw by that much. And this was all before the injury (that made my heart drop, and almost pass out). HD has really shown up the last 2 weeks (which is not a coincidence). We saw in the preseason what he can do. With JJ, Roddy, and Tony G, I don’t know how he isn’t getting 10 targets a game.
The challenge going forward, when we get Julio back is a lofty one. One that I don’t know Mularkey can handle in his sandbox of toys. This team has shown over the last 2 weeks it is still run first, which I have no problem with. We need to find a way to balance the touches, and effectively utilize all of this talent. In a perfect world, we should have a 50/50 split run/pass. Obviously how a game plays out will dictate the actual balance, but to aim for 50/50 is the goal.
Mixing up short possession throws, with run plays (up the middle, off tackle, and sweeps), utilizing different personnel packages as well on first downs should help. Too often are we stuck at 2nd and long because of MM habit of running the ball up the gut. And the 3 TE package has to go, that or start mixing in play action with that set, and put a WR in their that teams will respect as a threat.
Defense & ST to come in the next post…
Moving on
Defense:
Overall, I don’t think enough praise can be handed out for yesterday’s performance. From the D line to the safeties, everyone performed. Corey Peters have shown time and time again this year, that he was not a reach in the third round. While he may not make a pro-bowl anytime soon, his contribution to the D-line will be critical. With that said, where is Peria Jerry, is he even playing, because I see Walker more than him. Edwards is contributing more than the stats will show. He is getting pressure on the right side and collapsing the pocket. Every game he is becoming more and more of a factor. That knee surgery in the off-season may have been a step above minor.
Grimes with the lone exception of that dropped INT in the endzone had a day. Getting matched up with the man who is probably the best receiver in the NFL is no easy match. Megatron accounted for 2/3rds of the Lions passing production. I’ll count that as a positive, because there are times that when you try to shut down a teams best option, that other players will make an impact. But no one else stepped up. That leaping deflection was a thing of beauty, how often can a 5’6 DB defend a 6’5 WR so perfectly.
Our LB core was exceptional as always, and won’t stay unnoticed for much longer. I say it every week, but Spoon is going to be special. In the last three years, he is by far my favorite draft pick. the energy and passion he has on the field is just amazing. Lofton has quietly been putting up big tackling numbers. He may not get a pro-bowl nod, but is just as important as spoon. Nicholas, I’m just glad we didn’t lose him this year. He won’t get noticed like Spoon or Lofton, but he can tackle and hit.
With a few exceptions, Johnson’s long TD (we all knew it would happen), and some lapse in coverage and run plays, the defense put forth their best effort. In the stats category, the lions converted 1 out 12 3rd down attempts. PHENOMENAL, a glaring weakness of this D was not getting off on 3rd down. To step up and play like that was the key to winning this game.
Going beyond the stats and player writeups. One thing I noticed was the pass rush. It just worked yesterday, and that was key to 3rd down. Bringing the safety over to help on Johnson was a technical aspect. But I think the D-line showing up and playing the way they did made the day, and probably saved BVG for another week.
by Whyte Bler 000 on Oct 24, 2011 8:45 PM EDT up reply actions
I noticed a few times
that Edwards was collapsing the pocket just as fast as Abe.
Yeah, the sacks weren’t there, but man, Stafford had terror coming from both sides the whole game.
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by Caleb Rutherford on Oct 24, 2011 8:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah
Sacks are great, but it’s not everything. Bad throws and passes batted down all count in my book as a successful pass rush, especially on 3rd down. Stafford was around 48% which means the D-line made an impact.
by Whyte Bler 000 on Oct 24, 2011 8:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Special Teams
Nothing to be said about Bryant, the way he is playing this year, would be a crime for him not to get a pro bowl. He should have been there last year.
I don’t know if it was the kickoff coverage or detroits returner, but there were a few scary moments.
Bosher, take away the one bad punt and he had a pretty good day punting. He’s getting the hang time, a little refinement and some good coaching, and he will get there. Just give him time, I am coming around. He showed he has the leg for kickoffs, same deal, be patient. I think he will come around the next few weeks.
by Whyte Bler 000 on Oct 24, 2011 8:50 PM EDT up reply actions
One last thing on Bosher
When a guy lands 2 punts at the 10 yard line with a fair catch, I don’t care what his average is, he’s doing his job.
by Whyte Bler 000 on Oct 24, 2011 8:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Agreed!
Field position should be the most important measure for punting. Also, for most of the game Falcons were punting close to mid field. A punt which lands near 10 Yard line is much better than a punt in the end zone.
It's all about Process...
by Vishnu_falcon on Oct 24, 2011 9:11 PM EDT up reply actions
"He showed he has the leg for kickoffs"
I disagree. His kickoffs are nearly always returned. I don’t remember seeing him kick one out of the endzone, they are all 5 yards deep or less. Considering Weems has to kneel down on half his kickoffs, having our kicker always giving them a returnable kick is not good.
Perry is Riding the Bench
Peters and Vance Walker are better at getting into the backfield. Shame we wasted a 1st pick on him, I was sold on Ziggy Hood that year – Another MIZZOU Grad! Man with those defensive guys they churned out the past few years, its amazing they never won a NC.
by Falcons1133 on Oct 25, 2011 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions
Any word on Ovie?
That was ugly.
"Don't go ninja'n nobody that don't need ninja'n!" ~ Kung Fu Hillbilly.
by Jman781 on Oct 24, 2011 9:26 PM EDT via iPhone app reply actions
He tweeted after the game
That it looked worse than it was and he’d be back soon.
Fingers crossed.
Be sure to check out this week's Best Case/Worst Case article here.
Follow me on Twitter! @HarrisonN17
by Turner_The_Burner on Oct 24, 2011 9:59 PM EDT up reply actions
He promises he's ok.
And he’s a religious man, so he’s not likely to be hiding anything. I heard he was on crutches after the game but seemed to be in good spirits.
Smitty has said season ending injuries will be announced by Wednesday or so, otherwise we’ll hear nothing until next week.
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by Caleb Rutherford on Oct 24, 2011 11:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Because religious people don't hide things?
But really we never know with this group what’s really going on. Matt could have a dislocated spleen and Ovie could have a hangnail.
Rule #1: Double tap.
by Ball Hawk on Oct 25, 2011 7:30 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
A truly religious person is highly unlikely to hide something akin to an injury.
These scumbags you see in the news that claim to be religious, they’re not religious. They’re hypocrites.
Ovie is probably under instruction to not give specifics, but if he says “I’ll be back soon” I believe him.
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by Caleb Rutherford on Oct 25, 2011 11:22 AM EDT up reply actions
I can't tell
but please, please, please tell me you your tongue is planted firmly in cheek about this religious person (true or otherwise as you say) bs.
I think at the least he is going to miss several games.
Watching him limp off the field, I assumed his season was over.
Wow
Watching this MNF, Rayn vs Flacco is no comparison. Flacco is terrible. His season completion percentage is 51%
I know where the bodies are buried.....I buried some of them myself. - David Stern
by a hooter's baby on Oct 24, 2011 9:36 PM EDT reply actions
I think he’s been a bit unlucky this season. But the past few years’ Ravens’ defenses and Ray Rice are enough to make anyone look great.
If we’re taking straight overrated, I’m taking Freeman. I remember Yasinkas (who’s a pretty good judge of these things and is pretty neutral) saying he’d take Freeman, Ryan, Newton, and Brees (in that order) in 3 years’ time. He’s not a franchise quarterback, or at least hasn’t done much to prove it to me in the last few games.
by frozendesert on Oct 24, 2011 10:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Freeman has the potential to be better than Ryan strictly based on his WR and his athleticism.
I don’t believe Freeman nor Newton will have the football intelligence that Ryan has, though.
Flacco’s having a bad year. His OL is bad, too, and he has a new LT and LG.
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by Caleb Rutherford on Oct 24, 2011 10:59 PM EDT up reply actions
Bosher's punting
I think I am a bit lenient on him, but I thought yesterday he did ok. Some of the punts were typically poor, but he did a few which were high and no danger of a touchback, I think there was on in the 3rd q which put them to the 6ish.
I was impressed with him, even if it was just a step up of what Bosher normally does.
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by Turner_The_Burner on Oct 24, 2011 9:59 PM EDT reply actions
People are crediting his "pin inside the 20 kicks"
but if he’s kicking from their 45, and he can only kick it 35 yards, that goes to the 10 simply because he can’t kick it any farther.
Looks good on paper, but it’s still a “meh” from me.
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by Caleb Rutherford on Oct 24, 2011 11:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Exactly. He's shown little to no ability to reverse the field when we're in our end of the field.
I’m not expecting a rookie punter to coffin corner punts at the two but 35 yard punts fair caught at the 18 are not gonna cut it. The complete lack of angles on his punts is somewhat disconcerting as well. The guy was a college punter for 4 years(averaging an unremarkable low of 40 and a high of 44 yds per punt for 4 years btw) surely he knows how to punt it outside the hashmarks? As for his kickoffs, where other kickers (the other 31) are kicking it thru the uprights on kickoffs, we’re swooning if he gets it 4 yards into the endzone. Poor pick no matter how much we try to dress it up.
by aces666high on Oct 24, 2011 11:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Oh for sure
But at least he’s doing his job in one half of the field. Thought he was solid out there. Plus his kickoffs are getting much better. Happy for us to bring in someone else, but I didn’t think he was the worst out there.
Be sure to check out this week's Best Case/Worst Case article here.
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by Turner_The_Burner on Oct 25, 2011 5:54 AM EDT up reply actions
define better.
He’s putting it 5 yards deep instead of 4? Has he put one out of the endzone yet? When backed up inside our 30 yard line, what’s he averaging on punts?
I'm not one for exagerrated narratives,
but this is the game this team needed to turn it around. Count it; the Falcons are going to play as a playoff team should play from now on.
?
What I don’t get about the whole Suh trash talk incident is why would Todd and Roddy make this up if Atlanta won the game. I don’t believe that Avril said anything because later Roddy said in an interview “number 92, 93, whatever”, but I do believe that Suh said things because he avoided the question when asked directly. I can’t agree with Roddy and Todd talking about after the game though. They should have said or done something during the game to stick up for Matt.
by dirtybird in ak on Oct 25, 2011 1:26 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Yeah he was asked directly, what do you have to say
and he stumbles all over his words and says I’m not going into that. It’s a videod interview as well, would of made me laugh if he wasn’t just spouting Mularkey through his teeth.
Be sure to check out this week's Best Case/Worst Case article here.
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by Turner_The_Burner on Oct 25, 2011 5:55 AM EDT up reply actions
I didn't know Suh and Mike Mularley were that close?? Who knew??
April 1974 - Tug McGraw, when asked if he preferred grass or AstroTurf: "I don't know. I never smoked AstroTurf."
by Blood_Talon on Oct 25, 2011 10:11 AM EDT up reply actions
23
23 ? come on man……. you have never seen the Falcons as bad as I have lol, try sitting through a yearly drubbing twice a yr by Jerry Rice for an entire Decade… try to embrace J George and the cluck and duck lol
http://www.myspace.com/shredsplace
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Chris Miller Era
I remember those dark days. Luckily, I was young enough to forget most of it.
by Falcons1133 on Oct 25, 2011 10:37 AM EDT up reply actions
I'm glad.
Would’ve had more years shaved off my life. My dad knows those years though.
I vaguely remember Jeff George as a Falcon. I played Tecmo Bowl with Chris Miller, Michael Haynes, and Andre Rison. And Eric Dickerson. Good times. Oh, Deion was on that team too.
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by Caleb Rutherford on Oct 25, 2011 11:26 AM EDT up reply actions
My Haynes jersey is my favorite of the 20first or so that I have. Between him and deion that’s who made me a falcons fan. Has it really been 20 years? Damn. Let’s win a sb already!
by ocfalcon on Oct 26, 2011 1:45 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Jeff George
Before MV, the most reviled QB in Falcons history. When a QB-friendly coach is willing to get fired rather than let you see the field, you really have to be an a__hole…I still get a smile every time he puts his name out there as a fill-in for an injured QB and nobody even thinks of calling him in.
Liked Chris Miller. Wasn’t the greatest, but wasn’t the worst and he tried. Chris Chandler (Crystal Chandelier) was another one. The one season he stayed (mostly) healthy, they went to the SB.
Sorry, we old folks tend to daydream about the past…
I wonder if Roddy will ever keep his mouth shut.
Every 3 weeks he just has to get attention.
Rule #1: Double tap.
by Ball Hawk on Oct 25, 2011 9:24 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
I don't think so.
That seems to be just who he is. He COULD mature out of it, but not looking to likely at this point.
I don't know what's wrong with you
if this stuff is actually true, I would absolutely be saying stuff about it to everyone. Totally classless move out of Suh and Avril, and they deserve to have it heard about. No place for that stuff on the field.
Garret Reynolds/Bosher
Couple of observations I’d like to make in defense of these two guys. Note that I am not pleased with either of their lackluster play this season, but this specifically stood out to me.
1) Although this in no way makes up for the false starts at the end, Garret Reynolds seemed as though he was trying to pull on plays where the man in front of him came untouched. I remember watching and thinking “why the *%$& are we pulling the guard right in front of Suh on 3rd and 1?!?!” I recall a couple of instances where this was the case.
2) As for Bosher, one of his punts that went about 35 yards was nearly blocked on our own 15 yard line after a high snap. The punt was only 35 yards, but I felt like he really had to hurry to even get the ball out of there. Not sure if LS Zelenka isn’t to blame on that one.
by TheCrimsonBird on Oct 25, 2011 10:16 AM EDT reply actions
The Good: MATT BRYANT talking back to a DL
Did you see some DL mouthing off to Beirman as he was walking away, Matt Bryant half his size gave him a few words back. Got to admire not only this guy’s accuracy but his backbone!
I LOVED that.
That DT was twice Bryant’s size, and he totally didn’t care.
by Jeanna Thomas on Oct 25, 2011 6:24 PM EDT via iPhone app up reply actions
Matt's about my favorite Falcon right now
Of course, you know how it is with kickers. Miss a couple and you’re a goat. Damn, we’re a fickle bunch, aren’t we?
Did y'all know there wasa scuffle before the game?
Both teams are just a little bit dirty.
Rule #1: Double tap.
by Ball Hawk on Oct 25, 2011 10:37 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Lions blocked the way!
This is what I read from multiple sources “When Falcons were coming out of the tunnel,Lions blocked the way and Mike Peterson apparently didn’t want to go around the Lions. Falcons went straight at them”. I haven’t seen Falcons blocking other teams coming out of the tunnel at the dome.
It's all about Process...
by Vishnu_falcon on Oct 25, 2011 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions
maybe that's the "karma" Suh is talking about
and we were on the winning side of it
Atlanta will win a championship....someday
Miko tweeted it out.
Rule #1: Double tap.
by Ball Hawk on Oct 25, 2011 12:01 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
What a classic play that was
One-on-one, and the little dynamo slapped it away. All time classic Grimes play.
Regarding the D calls
I’m pretty sure I was Mike Smith on the sideline with the Sheet for D calls, Dunno what it’s called, english not my 1st language
So my question is was BVG absent or did Smith demote him and call the play himself, anyone know something about it?
BVG was calling Plays.
I remember Smith saying in an interview he doesn’t like to Micro manage by leaving it to OC/DC. MS likes to Macro manage a game.
It's all about Process...
by Vishnu_falcon on Oct 25, 2011 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Uh oh. I just saw this @ NFL.com
With Mughelli’s status unclear, Falcons conduct FB workouts.
So..I was reading thru
The second half open thread. I thought it funny to see comments roasting Matty’s ass – then when Matt went down – see the same folks breath a collective AWWWW F_ _ _!, MATT’S HURT.
Just sayin.
Being emotional...
DURING a game and not being happy about a play or 2 does not mean we don’t love our QB and wouldn’t be really upset at a possible injury…sheeeeeeesh…
April 1974 - Tug McGraw, when asked if he preferred grass or AstroTurf: "I don't know. I never smoked AstroTurf."
by Blood_Talon on Oct 25, 2011 11:15 PM EDT up reply actions
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