Popping The Packers: Stopping Aaron Rodgers
by Dave Choate on Oct 6, 2011 12:30 PM EDT
in Falcons News
Email
PrintThis will not be an easy game for the Atlanta Falcons.
No mountain is too tall to climb. The Falcons have taught us that again and again, through the magical 2008 season, the tough but ultimately successful 2009 season and the whirlwind few months in 2010. Through those years, despite some heartbreaking losses in the playoffs and the regular season, the Falcons seemed able to triumph over any opponent.
It's fair to say that the Packers are the Falcons' Everest, though. Equipped with one of the best passing offenses in the league, a solid ground game and a relentless pass rush, the Packers are scary for any team. To a Falcons squad that has stumbled out of the gate and has struggled to get its offense going for an entire game behind a leaky offensive line, this is a many-toothed dragon of an opponent.
Thankfully, this is still a winnable game, albeit an extremely difficult one.
After the jump, find my biggest question, three smaller ones and a prediction for the game.
The Biggest Question
Can the Falcons stop Aaron Rodgers?
It's the biggest question for a reason. Rodgers is one of the best quarterbacks in the game today, a disciplined gunslinger with a plethora of weapons at his disposal. Behind a decent offensive line, which he has, Rodgers is about as dangerous a player as there is the NFL.
The Falcons will have to pull out all the stops to beat Rodgers. That means a more effective pass rush, for starters. It will definitely help to have Jonathan Babineaux back in the middle, and John Abraham will be amped to play the Packers again. You follow that up by clamping down hard on defense, not letting him beat you underneath, and by having a linebacker keep an eye on Rodgers whenever possible. That dude knows how to scramble.
In short, the Falcons will have to play aggressively, force mistakes when they can and never let up. If Rodgers has time, he's more than capable of winning this game for the Packers.
Get Rodgers, is what I'm saying. I don't want to see that damn title belt.
Three Smaller Questions
Question 1: How will Michael Turner perform against the Packers?
Thanks in large part to the line and Seattle stacking the box, we saw last weekend just how badly Turner's day can go sometimes. Without a little bit of space to get him started, Turner goes down quickly.
The Falcons could really use him here. If he could even have a handful of truly effective carries, it will force the Packers to account for him. The Falcons can then land some body blows against the Green Bay secondary. If Turner does extremely well, of course, he can more or less win the game and chew up valuable time. The Falcons will have to get him going in this one.
Question 2: How are the Falcons going to match up against the Packers' receivers?
This is sort of a corollary to the larger question above, but it's an important one. The Packers present a host of matchup problems with Jordy Nelson at the slot, Jermichael Finley at tight end and the blazing fast Greg Jennings outside. The Falcons are going to have to do some mixing and matching to get everyone covered properly, and Nelson is an especially big concern.
My guess is that the Falcons will do nothing of the sort, and put Kelvin Hayden on Nelson with occasional safety help. We'll have to hope that's good enough.
Question 3: How will the line perform?
Todd McClure is probably out, if my intuition serves me right. The Packers can offer up a pretty good pass rush, led by Clay Matthews and his aerodynamic hair. If the line isn't up to the task, it makes Matt Ryan's day difficult. We really don't want that, especially because the Packers are not the strongest secondary the Falcons will face this year. Not even close.
So I hope that the improvements we saw last week hold up and continue. The alternative is a little bit gruesome.
Game Prediction
I can see a very clear path to a win for the Falcons here, but whether they can execute it remains an open question. I have this down as perhaps the toughest game on the schedule, even though it's at home, and I'll go with what I hope is a reverse jinx pick.
35-27 Packers.
144 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Dave...
Is this one of those picks where you pick the team you want to lose, to win???
The Only Thing To Fear Is, Fear Its Self.......
by Dirtybyrdatl4life on Oct 6, 2011 12:42 PM EDT reply actions
The only matchup that matters to me is pressuring Rodgers
I’ll probably eat these words, but if we cover his guys or get quick pressure, enough to force him out of the pocket and onto the run, I’m fine with that. If we get beat and Rodgers statline is 20/30 for 220 yards, 1 TD and 250 rushing yards….I’m fine with that. He can break as many rushing records as he feels like. Got a better chance of him getting smashed in the open field at least once if he’s taking off every down.
Pressuring Rodgers will decide the game.
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 6, 2011 12:49 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
REC'D
The more the Packers run the ball (whether it’s Rodgers or their RB’s), the greater our chances are to win the game.
We have to pressure the QB. We also have to finish the pressure with sacks and knockdowns, though. Rodgers is good at avoiding would be tacklers in the backfield, as we all witnessed in the playoff game.
by grg on Oct 6, 2011 3:25 PM EDT up reply actions
It takes a perfect, complete game on all sides of the ball
If we can do that, we have a chance to win. then again, that’s true for any week against any team.
I really don't think it does
The Pack are vulnerable against the pass, so if we can keep Ryan upright for long enough I’d say ew can score. It’s the defensive play that will decide it. Despite last week, we’re a team built to play with a lead, so who knows, get in front, get the change of pace going in the run game. As Cris Collingsworth on Madden 2010-2012 would say
“Bring a little pressure and it impacts quarterbacks”.
If we can jump we have a shot.
That being said I’m picking the pack by at least 21….so….
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 6, 2011 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions
*we
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 6, 2011 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions
FTFY
The Pack are vulnerable against the pass between the 20s.
"Perfection is not attainable,
but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence."
"It's a great day to be great, baby!"
Skol is a four-letter word.
The Munsters of the Midway still suck!
This will be the game to grade the 1st half of the season by.
If we walk out with a win, then we are who we thought we were. MS’s era has been highlighted by a knack for defending the dome. We need every home win to make the playoffs. A loss; and I see us spiraling downward. If we limp into the 2nd half of the season, then playoffs are doubtful, even with a winning record. I see this game almost as important as a divisional opponent. We need momentum. Beating GB will remind us that we can hang with any team on our schedule and give us our swagger back.
I Disagree... Kind of
If the defense plays well and doesn’t make the same stupid mistakes we are used to and the offense clicks and Ryan says upright, but we lose by 3 because Rodgers makes some ridiculous throws that no one could reasonably defend, I’d feel a lot better than I did last week when we barely beat Tavaris Jackson.
That being said, if we lose 48-21 again, I’ll probably start projectile vomiting.
Game of tha year!!
I believe this game will b tha deciding factor on tha rest of our season. If we pull this off tha momentum alone will give us a push. I am however, not lookin forward to seein BVG runnin our D again…I’m so sick of this guy!! What more needs ta happen ta get this guy outta here? Our D has unbelievable potential, but until he’s gone I think there’s gonna b a lot of frustration with this team.
by DirtyBirdzUp on Oct 7, 2011 8:00 AM EDT via iPhone app up reply actions
It kinda sounds like
what needs to happen
What more needs ta happen ta get this guy outta here?might be one of the Capers/LeBeau disciples to be available, so you guys can hire him, after firing your entire defensive coaching staff, and get started installing the Packers/Steelers version of the 3-4.
In that scenario, however, it’ll be at least 2013 before you reap dividends from it, but, if they did it right, it would be worth the wait. :)
"Perfection is not attainable,
but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence."
"It's a great day to be great, baby!"
Skol is a four-letter word.
The Munsters of the Midway still suck!
Even with a loss,
as long it is close, the Falcons can still hold their heads high.
There is no shame in losing a close game to this Packers team, IMO. :)
"Perfection is not attainable,
but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence."
"It's a great day to be great, baby!"
Skol is a four-letter word.
The Munsters of the Midway still suck!
I want...
the Falcons to win this game sooooo bad!!
I will not be sober after this game…
April 1974 - Tug McGraw, when asked if he preferred grass or AstroTurf: "I don't know. I never smoked AstroTurf."
I'm not going to be sober before the game
Hopefully, that will either dull the pain or make me just not care…
That’s a bunch a crap. I’ll care. Being a Falcon fan has been like having a mentally abusive girlfriend. I stick around, knowing full well I’m going to get my heart stepped on…again. It’s been a good stretch this last few years. To bad the girlfriend is back on the sauce (metaphor).
and she cheats on you
and embarasses you in front of your friends but every once in a while, treats you like the woman of your dreams…and then goes out drinkin’ and doesn’t come home for 3 days. :)
How in the helll do both of you know my girlfriend?
by SmokeyBell on Oct 6, 2011 2:33 PM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
This
and doesn’t come home for 3 days.
:)
"Perfection is not attainable,
but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence."
"It's a great day to be great, baby!"
Skol is a four-letter word.
The Munsters of the Midway still suck!
We wouldnt have this issue with the packers IF..
We UNLEASH our defense and Hit those arrogant Clowns!!! We have VERY aggressive players from head to toe on defense but because of (excuse my use of negative terms) Pussy playcalling they cant show just how Greatly powerful they are, EVERY player on our D is aggressive in some kind of way. We need to let them Fly man. UNLEASH THE DIRTY BIRD!!!!
by falcons101 on Oct 6, 2011 1:06 PM EDT via iPhone app reply actions
Speaking of arrogant...
Did you hear Donald Drivers comments about the game last year? He said some thing along the lines of “they thought they were the big kids in the block, and that they were invincible in their house. We wanted to go in their, beat them, and embarrass them, and we did.” what an ass.
by dirtybirds233 on Oct 6, 2011 1:10 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Yea man that pissed me off..
That’s okay though I hope My Man William Moore And Dunta Robinson introduce themselves accordingly to Mr. Driver!!!
by falcons101 on Oct 6, 2011 1:27 PM EDT via iPhone app up reply actions
Man The Comments me so mad
but theres nothing we can do if we dont stop a rod
by Trae FrankSinatra Starz on Oct 6, 2011 3:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes...
he is a bag with which one douche’s!!
April 1974 - Tug McGraw, when asked if he preferred grass or AstroTurf: "I don't know. I never smoked AstroTurf."
He's not as ass...
He is telling the truth. They made us look like cats instead of dogs. It was utterly embarrassing. The only way we have a chance with them being as hot as they are, is if they knock ARodgers out of the game. (hope you are reading USS Babineaux). Rodgers is one tough cookie!
by FalconsFansincePrimetime on Oct 6, 2011 1:28 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
I don't think The packer would man handle a team like..
Washington, Baltimore,Houston or even The Jets teams that will hit you in the mouth if you dare under estimate their Power. Teams that play soft coverage or “Control” coverage ALWAYS get beat!!!
by falcons101 on Oct 6, 2011 1:11 PM EDT via iPhone app up reply actions
My suggestion is go back and watch Super Bowl 45 again
I know this sounds arrogant, but go back and watch that game and you’ll see this offense go against an agressive, blitz happy team like those you are describing and you’ll see what happens. The Packers spread the team out, take short passes and go to the hot routes, run screens, and frankly bring power right back with power running formations like the inverted wishbone. And they win those games.
Meanwhile, if you go back over the games where the Packers lost last year you’ll see the control defenses tended to be the ones that worked best against the Packers. The Bears did a great job of stuffing up the Packers with their cover 2 scheme. The Falcons beat the Packers when they forced Rodgers to make a couple key mistakes in the regular season. The Dolphins did the same thing with ball control and a defense that kept things in front of them.
by PackApologist on Oct 6, 2011 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions 8 recs
What are these "screens" you speak of stranger?
A word to the wise ain't necessary - it's the stupid ones that need the advice.
I dunno what this guy is talking about with his high and mighty screen talk
But we don’t take kindly to fellas trying to expand our play book from 3 pages to 4. Just keep on walking…
PackApologist,
I totally agree with your statement. Hit it on the head, my friend, because it’s true. You are not being arrogant, because you are right.
Evil Falcon
but your offense
benefited from your defenses turnovers and sacks. You may know your team, but we know the falcons and they hardly get pressure from the front four not named Abraham. Also, it wasn’t because of our blitzes that we lost in the playoffs, it was because of all those long drives by us not getting off the field and your punter could have just stayed at home.
Atlanta will win a championship....someday
I won't argue with that assessment
I’m just pointing out that very aggressive defenses aren’t the magic bullet against the Packers. The teams that tend to be consistently good against the Packers are teams that play control football. They control the ball, they play bend but don’t break defense, they cause turn overs and don’t turn the ball over themselves. They play great special teams.
Those are the teams that consistently give the Packers trouble. A shootout can be won against the Packers, but it’s double tough. If the speed goes into over drive then there are not many teams that can keep pace, I would say that the Saints and the main two with the Lions and the Chargers may be able to as well. The Falcons have the skill pieces to run an offense to keep pace with those teams, but not the depth in skill pieces and talent along the offensive line. As a result I would say control football is the key to a Falcons victory.
by PackApologist on Oct 7, 2011 6:47 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Well there is always crosses, wooden stakes and garlic...
April 1974 - Tug McGraw, when asked if he preferred grass or AstroTurf: "I don't know. I never smoked AstroTurf."
Gotta say, PA, you are classy
You’re knowledgeable, upfront and non-confrontational. You’re a credit to your board, if not ours. And, I’m afraid I think your implacable assessment is as unerringly accurate as Aaron’s passes right now. I wish we could merge your insight with the Boise State OC’s capabilites and somehow inject that into the creative section of our OC’s brain.
by randomaxe on Oct 7, 2011 10:45 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Thanks much
I just love to talk football and my Packers. It’s interesting to be a fan of the Packer right now because they really do run a creative offense. The problem is that the creativity happens in such a subtle way, run effectively, that it’s taken for granted.
Typically it starts with the way they arrange the final 53. For all the talk of the receivers and the QB the Packers love to load up on guys who can block and play special teams. So last year the Pack kept 3 FB’s and this year they have 5 TE’s. As a result McCarthy will love to switch between spread passing sets and power running sets. The mismatches start to come when he runs out of his pass sets (lots of draws and shotgun sweeps) and pass out of his run sets (play action which is where most of those big touchdown plays happen). But since the Packers firmly believe in young players who can be multidimensional and a set of coaches that can be pretty creative with what they like to run with it ends up with an offense and defense that’s hard to predict.
From what little I know of the Falcons offense I would go back to the bread and butter of last year for them. Make sure the primary bit of the offense goes through Turner first, White second, and then let Gonzo and JJ clean up the rest. The biggest key is to slow down the tempo of the game and play ball control. The more efficient the Falcons can be the more they can wear down teams and press for the win.
by PackApologist on Oct 8, 2011 12:15 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
We will win
I’m not going to give you any stats to support that either. I’m te most pessimistic person i know, but we will win this game. Why? Revenge. They are the reason the pundits had been talkig us down all off-season, “the falcons have upgraded, BUT did you watch the divisional game against the packers last year? Terrible”. They are why we don’t have a ring. They ruined the magic of a truly magical team. We are the reason why they will be 4-1.
by dirtybirds233 on Oct 6, 2011 1:08 PM EDT via mobile reply actions 1 recs
Fascinating.
I love Donald Driver. AND RANDALL COBB!
Jay Cutler, the first quarterback to beat a playoff team with a losing record.
...
:)
"Perfection is not attainable,
but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence."
"It's a great day to be great, baby!"
Skol is a four-letter word.
The Munsters of the Midway still suck!
Question 1 is very important, with a caveat
I think Turner’s (and/or Snell, Quizz, and Ovie’s) ability to rush in the red zone will be the most important. If you look at the Saints-Packers opener, Drew Brees shredded GBs secondary, but they were 1 for 5 in the red zone. The game ended on an up-the-middle stuff on Mark Ingram. If we can get the rush going inside the 20, I think it bodes well.
Turner
Turner is usually good in the Goal line situations and the Red zone. TG is also an important part of our Red zone offense.
It's all about Process...
by Vishnu_falcon on Oct 6, 2011 3:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Off topic question...?
Does Ray Edwards have ANY sacks thru the first 4 games?
by FalconsFansincePrimetime on Oct 6, 2011 1:24 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Nope.
We only have 5 on the year too. 31st in the league.
by dirtybirds233 on Oct 6, 2011 1:26 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
WHAT GIVES?!
I had a bad feeling during free agency and would much rather have gotten Babin, but I was still happy that we addressed the pass rush problem. I certainly did not expect for him to have zero sacks after four games.
by FalconsFansincePrimetime on Oct 6, 2011 1:33 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
It's the kind of player he is
He is the kind that thrives off of One on One pass rush, meaning he Doesn’t get Double teamed often But due to U.S.S Babe being out teams only had to block Him and John A.
by falcons101 on Oct 6, 2011 1:37 PM EDT via iPhone app up reply actions
So what you're saying is...
With Babineaux back this week, he should see his first couple sacks?
What week did Babs get injured?
by FalconsFansincePrimetime on Oct 6, 2011 1:46 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Yea we should
And against the eagles I believe.
by falcons101 on Oct 6, 2011 2:11 PM EDT via iPhone app up reply actions
Ray has gotten off to a slow start (makes you wonder about the knee)
but did good things against SEA. Again, Sacks aren’t the most effective way to grade DEs. However, obviously we need more to help the DEF.
It seems to be a reoccurring theme that a trip to Seattle is all a player needs to get things turned around. Ray Edwards can attest to that. Struggling mightily coming into this game, some were wondering if Edwards was worth all the offseason hype. While he had a decent day at getting after the quarterback with a couple of pressures and a quarterback hit, Edwards earned his money in the run game (+1.6), an area where he excelled last year, but this year has been up and down through the first three weeks. He ended up with two defensive stops on the day and won a couple of nice head-to-head matchups with Seahawks big-money free agent Zach Miller in the second half.
Quote from PFF’s review of ATL v SEA
Also don't forget
He started slow last year as well. He went the first 7 games without a sack before recording 8 in his next 9 games. I fully expect he’ll turn the corner soon.
And there there's this
Ray Edwards has played 34.8% of his snaps so far at DRE for Falcons. He played 16 snaps over his last 34 games there for Vikings.
Dave,
Do not underestimate the Falcons, EVER! You bring some good points on your post, and the Falcons do have to step up here. The Packers can be beat, and Rodgers does not walk on water, like the media thinks. He and the Pack are due for a bad game, I just hope this is that game..
Evil Falcon
High powered offense vs. Lackluster pass defense =
You’re reaching pretty far my man (or woman)
by FalconsFansincePrimetime on Oct 6, 2011 1:47 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
We just aren't ready...
If we play the way we have been, we will get embarrassed again. I’m hoping not, but I just have not seen enough impovement in the first four games to realistically believe we will beat ’em.
Football gods, please let me be wrong…
by FalconsFansincePrimetime on Oct 6, 2011 1:58 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Eww...
24th ranked passing def vs. 5th ranked passing offense. Sure they can be beat, but the GB strength does not match well with our weakness.
by FalconsFansincePrimetime on Oct 6, 2011 2:02 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Didn't you get attacked
before the Tampa game for pointing out our defensive stats?
A word to the wise ain't necessary - it's the stupid ones that need the advice.
Nope
Wasn’t me. But we should have won that game.
by FalconsFansincePrimetime on Oct 6, 2011 5:22 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
sometimes
better playcalling and sheer determination can do a lot. look, before the Hawks game everybody said Seattle is ranked like 33rd in the league in run defense. and guess what happened – they kept Turner (at least in the second half) not just in check, but maybe even in negative yards.
Atlanta Falcons fan in Moscow, Russia
thanks for the stat
but the case at point is this – 3-4 games is too small of a sample size to judge relative strength of offense or defense, and depends on the opposition each team had to face.
after all, we beat them last year and were in the game until the final minute of the half.
Atlanta Falcons fan in Moscow, Russia
The Packers can be beat
This will be an extremely tough game, but Carolina and New Orleans showed that the way to beat them is to throw deep. Teams get in trouble on those short underneath routes because Woodson feasts on those. Hell, if Cam Newton throws the ball away instead of taking the sack on 3rd and 1 inside the GB 5 yd line, I think they would have won that game. If a rookie QB in his 2nd career start can torch GB, i’d like to think we can do that as well. Smitty needs to have the guys watch replays of last year’s Baltimore game and last years 2nd New Orleans game to remind them how to play balls to the wall. Even though they lost the New Orleans game, The D was ferocious and forced Brees into several mistakes. They have to do the same against Rodgers and not let him sit comfortably in the pocket and pick them apart.
by leonw92 on Oct 6, 2011 1:57 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
I agree with everything you said here,
except I don’t think the players need a reminder. The players want this win, and they will be fired up.
by grg on Oct 6, 2011 3:32 PM EDT up reply actions
DONT PLAY ZONE AND DONT BLITZ!!!!
The way to get to Aaron Rodgers have our guys get a a good jump from his right side and force him towards his left. Thats his weak side. If you blitz him the ball is either gone or he will avoid it and scramble to his left or just run up the gut.
by Antonio Grimes on Oct 6, 2011 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions
When do we throw deep and did
you watch any CAR – CHI? Panthers didn’t let the Tampa Two keep them from moving the ball. Neither did the Saints. We’re just not playing well enough now to beat the Pack.
A word to the wise ain't necessary - it's the stupid ones that need the advice.
On Sunday,
Whatever happens, happens. It’s just a game. At least we are getting them out of the way early..
Evil Falcon
Now boys play nice
remember rules here.
A word to the wise ain't necessary - it's the stupid ones that need the advice.
Let me see if I can answer you questions
1) Can the Falcons stop Aaron Rodgers? Answer: Yes, but not the way you think. The Packers always but more guys on the line than the defense has and keep 5 or 6 guys in to protect Rodgers. For the Falcons to stop Aaron Rodgers they must do 3 things. A) Keep a guy in the middle of the field to spy AR from running for a TD or make him scramble towards his left – thats his weak side. B) Explode thru the gaps in Green Bays O-line. Since they like to keep 6 guys to protect AR – it would be vital that the Falcons play very aggressive and wear the Packers O-line down with 5 or 6 guys themselves. C) Mix a lot of Man Coverage, Bump n Run, and have the Corners try to knock the Packers Receivers off their routes or jump the Receivers routes. How will Michael Turner perform against the Packers? Answer: He will struggle at times but he needs to be involve in the offense if not just to wear the Packers defense down and set up passes to Julio Jones, Roddy White, Harry Douglas, Tony Gonzalez, and also Jacquizz Rodgers in screen passes. How are the Falcons going to match up against the Packers’ receivers? Already already answered this question but I will again. Use Man Coverage, Bump N Run, and have our Corners try to jump their routes and take away the inside lane from them ABSOLUTELY NO BLITZES AND NO ZONE PLAYS! How will the line perform? They will struggle if they don’t play aggressive and smart. Get under the Packers pads and have a FB or RB to protect Matt Ryan. This will buy Matt Ryan time in the pocket and allow him to find someone open or to scramble or to throw it away and not be sacked.
Falcons win 38-35
The game could go either way, In the play off loss TG was restricted to one catch and our leading receivers were Jenkins and Finneran. That was the biggest reason we went and got JJ. If the packers want to double and tripple cover TG and RW, they have to leave JJ open. I would want to see JJ and HD step up if the GB tries to take away TG and RW from the game.
It's all about Process...
Why double an obviously injured Roddy White?
A word to the wise ain't necessary - it's the stupid ones that need the advice.
Look, like it or not
the Pack adjusted from game 1 to game 2 last year. They’re coming in having put up half a hundred in Denver. Even if we wanted to throw deep we can’t keep our QB protected long enough to do it. I have watched this team for 45 years and know that in games like this no amount of reasoning, whishin’, hopin’, or praying gets it done. Falcons are who they are on the football field. Who’s Roddy burning this year so far?
A word to the wise ain't necessary - it's the stupid ones that need the advice.
Don't get me wrong
I don’t see the Falcons winning this one. But, Roddy has a way – for the past few seasons – of burning any team that dares to put him in single coverage.
You’re right – he hasn’t burned anyone this year – but he certainly has a history of doing it and I’m thinking he’s about due for a breakout game.
You play on a sunday for a reason.
Packers are good, but they have to play the game to win. Dome is not an easy place to win. We should know if the playoff blow out was a one off thing.
It's all about Process...
by Vishnu_falcon on Oct 6, 2011 9:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Reality score at half time 36-14 Packers
Reality is, The Line Cant Protect Matty Ice, Of Course He Didnt GEt Sacked against the SeaHawks, its the SEAHAWKS, Matt Doesnt trust his O-Line so even when he has time to throw, he misses wide open receivers cause he is jumping around when he doesnt have to, Plus Did Anybody else notice that Tavaris Jackson threw for 300 yards against us????
Yea We’re Screwed!!!
by Trae FrankSinatra Starz on Oct 6, 2011 3:43 PM EDT reply actions
Did you see how he got those yard?
When BVG reverted back to Zone plays and conservative plays.
by Antonio Grimes on Oct 6, 2011 3:50 PM EDT up reply actions
BVG reverted
from what? His usual zone blitz’s and conservative calls. That’s who he is dude.
A word to the wise ain't necessary - it's the stupid ones that need the advice.
I think he reverted from super soft zone to double secret probation super duper soft zone
How I loathe him.
by aces666high on Oct 6, 2011 4:48 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
You should loathe MM more...
but your a grown man, loathe whoever you like…lol
April 1974 - Tug McGraw, when asked if he preferred grass or AstroTurf: "I don't know. I never smoked AstroTurf."
I'm an equal opportunity loather
Between BVG and his molester-stache, and Moron Mularkey and his insistence on gaining only 2 yards per run, I loathe them both equally.
by The DW on Oct 6, 2011 8:16 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
You guys made me laugh...I Rec you both...lol
April 1974 - Tug McGraw, when asked if he preferred grass or AstroTurf: "I don't know. I never smoked AstroTurf."
I loathe both equally
The letters BVG and M are dead to me
by aces666high on Oct 6, 2011 8:37 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Rec'd
April 1974 - Tug McGraw, when asked if he preferred grass or AstroTurf: "I don't know. I never smoked AstroTurf."
Roddy White
is another question, at least for me. He can’t keep dropping passes, especially in key situations like he has the past couple weeks.
We don't have a sack in three games...
and the primary reason that I was so upset at the play vs. Seattle (pleased with result but not play) is who we play this week. Not sacking A-Rod? Sorry, seen that show. Jay Cutler…Jay..Cutler was half way to 400 yards by halftime against us. I’ve been a fan longer than most of you guys and while that doesn’t make me right all of the time I’ve just seen a lot. We’d have to play our best defensive game of the year against the league’s hottest quarterback.
The same line that’s angling for accomplice status in the assault crimes against Matt Ryan is the line blocking for Turner. We haven’t run effectively all season which is why the Pack will probably open the game in the nickel. This is a league where you must make adjustments. Who do you want to do that? Mike McCarthy vs. BVG & Dom Capers vs. MM? Special teams playing poorly now too? Doesn’t look good.
A word to the wise ain't necessary - it's the stupid ones that need the advice.
Why are you comparing a mobile QB to a Pocket Passer?
AR is a mobile QB and Jay Cutler is a Pocket Passer. Now tell me which one a blitz will work on and which will get sacked the most?
by Antonio Grimes on Oct 6, 2011 4:34 PM EDT up reply actions
'Tonio what are you asking?
I wrote that Jay Cutler was half way (actually more than half way at 223 yards) at halftime of the Falcons – Bears game. Which is …. true. I mentioned Cutler simply to point out the obvious, everybody’s throwing against us.
A word to the wise ain't necessary - it's the stupid ones that need the advice.
That was because of the same old thing
BVG went to zone which prohibits Dunta and Brent way of playing and MM playing right into the Bears strength instead of running the ball all day long. Because the running game was successful – MM made the offense 1 dimensional and want to only pass. BVG thinks that every team in the NFL is going to throw the ball 15 – 20 yards each play and tell Dunta and Brent to give them 5-10 yards
by Antonio Grimes on Oct 6, 2011 4:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Zone
is what BVG does. He didn’t go to anything, that’s just who he is. You can talk all day about man coverage and bump and run but its never going to happen. I don’t think it would help anyway although it would be nice to see a change.
Did you watch the seattle game?
In the beginning – Brent and Dunta was within 3 yards of the guys they were covering – thats Man coverage which allowed Brent to knocked down a pass in the enzone and let Dunta put hits on Seattle receivers in the first half. The Second half – playing zone which allowed Tavaris Jackson to throw for chunks of yards and nearly lost us the game.
by Antonio Grimes on Oct 6, 2011 5:07 PM EDT up reply actions
And how many plays were run in man?
A handful, you’re talking about playing predominately man bump and run. Its not going to happen. And as for the few plays last week working against Jackson and his receivers, well they’re not exactly Rodgers and Jennings.
Okay.I got a question for you and everyone else.
Let’s say your the DC for the Atlanta Falcons against the Green Bay Packers. The Packers has the on the Atlanta’s 45 yard line. It’s 3rd and 25. this play will determine the fate of the game. What type of play would you call? Would it be Man, Zone, Blitz, or Bump n Run?
by Antonio Grimes on Oct 6, 2011 5:19 PM EDT up reply actions
definitely man with a double wide scheme. you want to be in the wr pocket n make rodgers have to take time to choose a read n maybe get a rushed throw by pressure. the man coverage gives them a chance to disrupt the pass. or so you’d hope. by the way u wouldn’t happened to be related 2 da only ball hawk on the team would u?
by manetrayne on Oct 6, 2011 5:49 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Man in a Nickel formation, Press coverage with 4 down lineman and a Nicholaus Blotz from the outside.
by falcons101 on Oct 6, 2011 6:10 PM EDT via iPhone app up reply actions
And you left the middle of the field open
So AR can have a receiver run a slant by getting out of his hands quickly like he does and have a receiver running a slant to gain those yards back.
by Antonio Grimes on Oct 6, 2011 6:50 PM EDT up reply actions
a quick slant won't pick up 25 Yards be realistic
by falcons101 on Oct 6, 2011 7:08 PM EDT via iPhone app up reply actions
This also would probably work
But you need someone in the middle to stop AR from running down the field. Other than that – you pretty much got him.
by Antonio Grimes on Oct 6, 2011 6:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Eh, I think he was kidding
Since we did that against “Pro-Bowler against the Falcons” Tavaris Jackson and he torched us, I think this is not a solid strategy against the best QB playing right now
Yes, I was kidding
I hate it when we drop 8 into coverage. With our wonderful pass rush, QB’s could order a sammich and have it delivered while waiting for someone to get open.
This ones over before its started...
I would be beyond shocked if the dirty birds pull this one off. The o line is blocking poorly no secret and BVG wont make any adjustments…this could get ugly fast. If it does lets hope some heads roll. Sorry for sounding negative…i HOPE we win but I gotta be real about it. Were not gonna start blocking and playing shut down zone def over night.
by Bigru3 on Oct 6, 2011 5:10 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
The sad thing about this Falcon's fan base at the moment...
is their lack-luster performances have all the fans crying gloom and doom…
Then what is going to happen if the Falcons beat the Packers?
Everyone will be crying how the Falcons can’t be beat in the GA Dome…
Winning this matchup is highly unlikely, but the gloom and doom that is plaguing this blog is unreal. It hasn’t been like this the last 3 years so why now? The Falcons have always been a great team to watch because our fanbase never EXPECTED them to be elite (like Cowboys fans always seem to do)… We will win games that everyone thinks we shouldn’t. It is what the Falcons do – so can’t we at least hope for the best?
know what you believe in and why you believe in it
I know the Falcons can beat Green Bay
It’s just some of the play calling that I have a problem with.
by Antonio Grimes on Oct 6, 2011 5:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Ooooooo That's a BINGO!!
April 1974 - Tug McGraw, when asked if he preferred grass or AstroTurf: "I don't know. I never smoked AstroTurf."
It's due to playing out of character and regression
I’m not sure it’s doom and gloom, so much as it’s perplexity at why things have gone so poorly. The penalties – the offensive line – these were the things we thought we had no concerns about, but now they’re suddenly weak spots for us.
On top of that, the talent that we’ve acquired and that has finally gotten 100% healthy has given us a roster most coaches would salivate over, and we can barely beat Seattle? Or a Tampa team that almost let Curtis Painter beat them?
I’m glad that I now have a team for whom I can have high expectations – they’re just not living up to them at the moment.
You're right, it hasn't been that way for the last 3 years
but it was that way for the previous 40+ hence the doom and gloom.
That prediction is so close its scary. but the one thing matt needs to change is those 15-20 yard roll outs and expect to see recievers picking daisies in an open field. there are no “open” wrs nowadays except against our dbs. three step drop and pop matt, trust ur tight spiral n don’t stare down ur read n maybe… just maybe we have a shot.
by manetrayne on Oct 6, 2011 5:32 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Neither was Julio Jones but did you see the pass he caught last week
He was blanketed and still made the catch
by Antonio Grimes on Oct 6, 2011 5:36 PM EDT up reply actions
good catch but we can’t just rely on the occasional hook up down field. we have to create more plays to get him “open”.
by manetrayne on Oct 6, 2011 6:12 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
good catch but we can’t just rely on the occasional hook up down field. we have to create more plays to get him “open”.
by manetrayne on Oct 6, 2011 7:13 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
EXACTLY!!
Take that title belt and shove it up his A…….
April 1974 - Tug McGraw, when asked if he preferred grass or AstroTurf: "I don't know. I never smoked AstroTurf."
I dont see why everyone is so down on this game...
Now given, I’m no where near as confidence as I was going to Seattle, but something has to change. This team is WAY too talented to be a bad team. Im not saying we’ll win, heck, Im not saying it will be close, but stop counting losses already, the pessimism is spreading.
So there are some pretty good Offensive lineman in Free agency..
Leonard Davis (RG), Reggie wells (LG), Rich Seubert (LG), Ben Hamilton (LG), Levi Jones (LT), Even Damien Woody (RT) has said he will come back for the right price. I’m just curious why we havent Signed one of these Exceptionally Solid Linemen???
by falcons101 on Oct 6, 2011 7:42 PM EDT via iPhone app reply actions
same reason 31 other teams haven't
they’re names that for some reason or another are past their prime and/or unwilling to take what those teams perceive them to be worth.
Dude I would Get one of these guys..
Even if they cost a few extra Mil. The reason our O can’t get going Is because of the Oline so why not take care of that by signing a pretty Good veteran Lineman until we can Draft one??? It could be like the mike Peterson Signing , it was meant for a Short term Solution but turned out to be a long term Mentor for our younger LBs. The same could Apply if we sign one of these guys.
by falcons101 on Oct 6, 2011 8:56 PM EDT via iPhone app up reply actions
No one is going...
to over pay for linemen…even if they’re needed. It’s that simple…
April 1974 - Tug McGraw, when asked if he preferred grass or AstroTurf: "I don't know. I never smoked AstroTurf."
I hate the belt BS, too..
and I used to actually LIKE Aaron (when he was being dissed and beat down by Brett, who I think has become the consummate anal oriface). Unfortunately, I think we’ll have to watch more of the belt thing than we’d like.
This will not be an easy game for the Atlanta Falcons.
Our birds have an uncanny knack of insuring that few of them are “easy.”
this is still a winnable game, albeit an extremely difficult one.
On the other hand, our birds have a surprising ability to play up to their opponents, and win frequently at home. After the Chicago game, I never expected them to beat Philly. There were a lot of games last year that I didn’t expect them to win. I guess for me, it’s easier to deal with their inconsistencies with lowered expectations, so I’m going into Sunday night with extremely low expectations. Based on the performance of our DC/DL/DBs, I think Finley (who may give us real matchup problems), Driver, Nelson, et. al. is going to show us what extremely burnt toast looks like. That’s the defensive side.
On the offensive side, I fear our oline is going to show (despite their best efforts) the seive-like protection that represents an improvement over the first three games. All told, I predict somedthing approaching that division beatdown we received last winter. I’m going to watch, and have low expectations.
I simply hope for better.
Let's all just hope Peria Jerry can hold his own when he drops into coverage against Greg Jennings
by aces666high on Oct 6, 2011 8:43 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs
Hey, did anyone see NFL 32 today?
On it Roddy White said that We are better than the Green Bay Packers – we just wasn’t playing at our highest level that game. Now – Aaron Rodgers basically said that he felt a little disrespected by Roddy’s comments. What do you guys think?
What is Roddy supposed to say?
What he says was for team confidence, while ARod is in place, because they whooped us.
Neither are wrong if you ask me.
by FlyYouFalcons on Oct 6, 2011 9:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Exactly
Roddy wasn’t being disrespectful – to me he was saying the Falcons weren’t playing at the high level that he and the whole team knows they can play at! There was no disrespect at all – why didn’t he take the ‘high road’ here like he did with Brett Favre?
by Antonio Grimes on Oct 6, 2011 9:42 PM EDT up reply actions
brent grimes on the league!
guested with mjd and sidney rice in a mock super bowl shuffle…the shive bowl shuffle. amazing, best show
by jchat3 on Oct 6, 2011 10:42 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
its on again
at least two more times tonight I think, 11:30ish next
Unrelated but hilarious
praise god this isn’t us
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CtoJDtU3UDs&feature=youtube_gdata_player
by dirtyburs on Oct 7, 2011 12:12 AM EDT reply actions 2 recs
OMG, I couldn't stop laughing!! Rec'd
April 1974 - Tug McGraw, when asked if he preferred grass or AstroTurf: "I don't know. I never smoked AstroTurf."
Excellent Hitler stuff however two words
Jacquizz Rogers
by JT131 on Oct 7, 2011 10:00 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
1 way to stop Rodgers
KEEP HIM ON THE SIDELINE. The only way to beat the pack is long SCORING drives. Turnovers will also help. We need to win the TOP and TOR to win this game. Feed the burner. Let JJ run deep. Mismatch HD on Hawk or another LB. Just keep their defense of balance. They have been giving up alot of yards this year passing and rushing so hopefully MM mixes it up(which he won’t). I hope we have a shot in this game. Primetime too. Plz don’t get murdered.
The thing about the Falcons...they can beat anybody. And lose to anybody.
But my purpose for this post is THE FALCONS CAN BEAT ANYBODY. Any given Sunday deal.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on The Falcoholic
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Shutdown Corner - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
- All reports positive after Peyton Manning’s first OTA in Denver
- Ryan Tannehill won’t start right away, according to Dolphins’ owner
- Lions WR Titus Young barred from practice after starting fight with teammate
- Winslow move could be a costly one for Bucs in the short term
- Matthew Stafford spends $15,000 to win auction package, then gives it to a young fan’s family
