The Pass Rush Is Coming Into Its Own

by Dave Choate on Nov 1, 2011 7:30 AM EDT in Falcons News

The Falcons started off the season with what could be described as an explosion of pass rushing. They had four sacks against a porous Chicago Bears offensive line in the first week, which they followed up by....not doing much. Let's be frank.

The three weeks after that, the Falcons got no sacks. They barely got any pressure. It's not a total coincidence in my mind that Atlanta managed to go just 1-2 over that stretch. But they've gotten nine sacks in the three weeks since then, and that could be the start of something beautiful.

Why the struggles earlier in the season? Ray Edwards was still recovering from injury, Jonathan Babineaux got hurt, and angry gods of luck decided they didn't like the Falcons for some reason. That's a workable explanation, and the first two have been resolved as Edwards gets going, John Abraham continues to be amazing and even Sean Weatherspoon gets involved.

The good news? In terms of sacks allowed, the Falcons get the chance to face the teams who are ranked 17th, 22nd (twice!), 25th and 26th. They aren't so lucky in the remaining four games, with Indianapolis doing a pretty good job protecting mobile Curtis Painter. Still, I'm confident.

These Falcons have an arsenal they didn't have in years past. They have Abe, Edwards, Kroy Biermann and Lawrence Sidbury at defensive end. They have Babineaux, Corey Peters and Peria Jerry up the middle. And now they have 'Spoon assisting a few steps back. It hasn't resulted in elite sack numbers or pressure yet, but the potential is there.

Feeling good about the pass rush? Join the discussion.

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One thing I've noticed

is that the linebackers are filling the gap between the tackles. Earlier in the season the tackles (and ends) would be pushed towards the sidelines and the quarterback would step up and make throws or run for a while. Now they seem to be keeping a LB in closer to mop up. It doesn’t work all the time, but at least they get better pressure up the middle.

by BlueFender on Nov 1, 2011 7:54 AM EDT reply actions

I would think, and HOPE

that scheming and coaching had something to do with that. Between Freeman, Cam, Vick, Rodgers, and some other athletic QBs in the league now, we need to keep consistent rush lanes and keep them from an easy scramble. Again, I hope that is the reason.

by Whyte Bler 000 on Nov 1, 2011 8:04 AM EDT up reply actions

I have been pleased

with the way the younger guys have been developing and coming along. Spoon and Peters are playing very well, and much improved in their second year. Sidbury is a monster, and has even gotten in on the action.

As Edwards gets better (from his surgery) and more comfortable within our scheme, I think his play will improve. I can see him getting 8 sacks this year still. But for all that is holy, stop dropping Abe back into coverage. Our best pass rushing end should be doing what he does best, not trying to cover a RB or TE in the flat. The zone blitz is better in a 3-4 where the rush LBs are better able to cover the zones.

by Whyte Bler 000 on Nov 1, 2011 8:07 AM EDT reply actions

I think the reasoning behind that...

is because of what you just said. “He’s our best pass rusher.”

In that case, at least one OL will be devoted to him at all times, and probably told to block him at any cost. So when, on the snap of the ball, he goes backwards, not forwards, the OL might think to himself “WTF is this?” and either let someone go blazing past him (ie. Spoon) or whiff on someone else that might lead to a holding.

But I agree, I don’t know why we’d drop him into coverage, but we do, and there’s nothing we can do about it.

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by Caleb Rutherford on Nov 1, 2011 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions

NFL quality O-Linemen should not think "WTF?" for a basic zone blitz

some crazy overload stuff that the Ryan brothers dream up, maybe… but not what we (generally) run.

"Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital." - Aaron Levenstein

by orang3b on Nov 1, 2011 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions

Maybe not literally that

but if he bull rushes you on first and second down, and then it’s 3rd and 10, what are you expecting?

They call it a game of inches, and in some parts, a game of milliseconds.

That tenth or two of a second of doubt is all it takes.

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by Caleb Rutherford on Nov 1, 2011 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions

spoon...

…is quickly starting to become my favourite player on the d. He’s quicker, understands his assignments better this year – and is getting way more involved in all aspects of the game.

Does anyone know when lofton’s contract runs out? (on mobile so can’t really look it up.) I’m interested to know how long our talented group of young linebackers are destined to be together for, at the moment at least…

by ChrisWells on Nov 1, 2011 8:33 AM EDT via iPhone app reply actions

Contract

@chris loftons contract end this year along with DeCoud,HD,Bierman and Weems

by Juan J Smooth Davis on Nov 1, 2011 9:24 AM EDT reply actions

Just use the reply function, my man

by Dave Choate on Nov 1, 2011 9:27 AM EDT up reply actions

Thanks for the help Dave. Didn't see it. First time replying.

by Juan J Smooth Davis on Nov 1, 2011 2:15 PM EDT up reply actions

No problem at all

Just like to point it out. At least you used the @ sign so everyone knew who were you talking to.

by Dave Choate on Nov 1, 2011 4:49 PM EDT up reply actions

yeah

Thanks you haven’t heard the last of me. ATL RISE UP

by Juan J Smooth Davis on Nov 1, 2011 9:51 PM EDT up reply actions

we can afford to let weems go

The rest we need to find a way to sign

by ocfalcon on Nov 1, 2011 9:57 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Resigning Loften is a must, his departure would create a big Dent in the defense.

Daffy Duck goes to bed at 10:00 every night, except on New Year's Eve, he goes to bed at 8:30.

by bwellnjonesco on Nov 1, 2011 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions

^^haha

Well played sir.

by birdwatch on Nov 1, 2011 11:57 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Out of those

I’d say let Weems, and DeCould walk. We can’t afford all of them and Lofton is the captain of our defense and JA55 isn’t getting younger so we gotta keep Kroy as well.

by dirtybirds233 on Nov 1, 2011 1:29 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

I only see them possibly letting Weems walk.

Abe won’t make as much as he is this year ($8 million) plus he’ll be 34, HD shouldn’t be expensive to keep, Biermann is a must, and Decoud is pretty solid and let’s not forget about re-signing Grimes.

Most of the money will be spent on re-signing our own guys on defense and I think the draft will address TE (round 2) and OL. I wonder if they’re going to try to keep either Sanders and/or Hayden (I hope so).

by Fear Me on Nov 1, 2011 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions

Fear me I agree but I think that we're going to look at LT for next year cause Sam Faker is garbage. Do u think Gonzo will return for one more year?

by Juan J Smooth Davis on Nov 1, 2011 2:18 PM EDT up reply actions

Agreed

LT is our #1 priority going into the draft next year. Then a DE, TE, and lastly DB (I don’t think we keep both of those guys we signed this year, maybe one).

Gonzo may come back, but his contract will be much much smaller if he does.

Baker gets cut, maybe look in FA for an interior lineman or DE to replace Abe if the draft is weak. I think there’s a good chance Abe retires, and 50/50 on Tony. He can still play and is healthy.

Out of those guys mentioned, I say Weems gets to leave. We have other guys that can handle kickoff responsibilities, and his production at WR isn’t there. DeCoud has been playing better, and is young, so the upside is their for him. Grimes and Franks will be back, Lofton is obvious as is Beirmann (a good backup and ST player). HD is back next year without a doubt.

by Whyte Bler 000 on Nov 1, 2011 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions

I like Gonzo

but the end is near. He’s not the threat he use to be and another year will not make him better. I’m hoping to get someone like Fred Davis who’ll be a free agent next year. Gonzo has hands but is slow as molasses.

We obviously need OL upgrade at left OT. I’m waiting for this season to end before I say anything about RGGR. RGGR should be much improved by year end. I could go for a LT in the second round and have a camp battle.

by Fear Me on Nov 1, 2011 4:03 PM EDT up reply actions

Not the threat he used to be?

I don’t understand that, especially after the great year he’s having. Sure, he isn’t Jimmy Graham, but Falcons fans are crazy if they think there’s going to be a better TE available than TG next year. I’m all for drafting one, but TG still has a lot to offer even at this stage in his career.

I think the bigger question will be does TG want to come back to the ATL next year? He might think he’s got a better shot elsewhere. Hopefully we’ll grab a Lombardi this year and this will all be moot.

by KMarch on Nov 1, 2011 8:56 PM EDT up reply actions

"Not the threat he used to be"

I was like… what?! And then I saw this reply… He is getting older, but man oh man, he looks like his life depends on that superbowl

One day....

by Kashberry on Nov 1, 2011 10:10 PM EDT up reply actions

Are you talking as a fan or looking at this as you would maybe a GM?

Again, I like Gonzo but you have to be careful not to be loyal to a fault. I was pleading with television a couple of years ago for the Falcons to pick Jimmy Graham but we weren’t looking at TEs that high probably because they believed in Gonzo. I just wonder what would’ve happen if Gonzo retired that year. I have to disagree that there won’t be TEs available next year that are better than Gonzo (i.e.Finley, F. Davis)

by Fear Me on Nov 2, 2011 1:13 PM EDT up reply actions

not guaranteed either of those TEs walk

Franchise Tags are still available for both, I believe. Finley has already said that he expect the Pack to use the tag on him.

by KMarch on Nov 2, 2011 4:40 PM EDT up reply actions

Really shouldn't let Decoud walk

he’s good in coverage. Sure, he misses the occasional tackle, but that seems to be a league-wide issue with Safeties lately. Decoud works in our system, is still apparently getting better, and will not be outrageously expensive to re-sign.

by KMarch on Nov 1, 2011 8:52 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs

I agree 100%

I’m all for extending the deals of DeCoud and Biermann right now. Like announce it tomorrow. They both should be relatively inexpensive, and if they walk, their positions could be very bare (Abe and Sanders will be FA’s too).

"Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital." - Aaron Levenstein

by orang3b on Nov 2, 2011 8:35 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

Agreed

A DE rotation of Biermann, Edwards, El Sid and Cliff Matthews next season has the potential to be very good. Subtract Biermann from that equation and you’ve got real problems.

Ditto DeCoud. With the dearth of draft picks next year, I doubt they’ll find anyone to replace him.

by Dave Choate on Nov 2, 2011 9:17 AM EDT up reply actions

I think the pass rush by the Defense is starting to come alive in a BIG way...

it’s those damn zone coverages that are frustrating the heck out of me!! They keep giving QB’s a way out of the sacks that are coming…grrrrrrrrrrrrr

"I'd run over my own mother to win the Super Bowl." - Joe Jacoby, formerly of the Redskins
"To win, I'd run over Joe's mom too." - Matt Millen, formerly of the Raiders

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by Blood_Talon on Nov 1, 2011 12:46 PM EDT reply actions

I think we should tune it up a bit

play a hybrid zone/man scheme. Let the safeties sit back in deep 2 and man on the corners. Let Spoon and Nicholas blitz some more and no more dropping DEs into coverage.

Or let spoon play the middle backer in cover 2, he has the speed and athleticism, and is better in coverage than lofton, and let lofton blitz.

Just thinking of some random stuff…

by Whyte Bler 000 on Nov 1, 2011 3:08 PM EDT up reply actions

Hey

I think your on something with that scheme cause this soft zone garbage is getting on my nerves. I like the way u put robinson and grimes playing man coverage. Dunta has been playing like crap but do u think he is finally understanding his assignment?

by Juan J Smooth Davis on Nov 1, 2011 5:04 PM EDT reply actions

HOW BOUT THAT SPOON GUY

Brent Grimes was my favorite but not any more. SPOON is doing it Guys. He Is Crazy Fast. Do You Remember how he Hawked Down Aaron Rodgers?? Im Impressed with What ive seen from Corey Peters. but im highly DISAPPOINTED in ABe and Ray Edwards. I expected a lot more than just 3 or 4 sacks between the both of them

by Trae FrankSinatra Starz on Nov 1, 2011 6:42 PM EDT reply actions

I think they have six or so and a couple FF, not to mention PDs

Not great, but not horrible.

by Jebidillah on Nov 1, 2011 10:02 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm glad we're generating a Rush from other places than our DEs

Peters is really stepping up this year, and let’s hope he continue to progress and this isn’t just some 2 week anomaly. Babs should be getting his form back very soon. I agree with many here that Spoon should be rushing the QB around 8 snaps a game, at least. He’s creating havoc when going in, continue it. Nicholas and Lofton have been very good as well.

I have to admit, that I’m baffled about Jerry. I’m by no means a Jerry hater, but I was just expecting more from him this seeason. He’s shown good burst when he gets in the game, but he’s just not in there enough, imo. You could probably make the same argument for El Sid. I’m all in favor of decreasing the snaps for RE, Abe, and Peters/Babs in order for this to happen.

RE has really come on the last few games, and I really hope now that he’s gotten a taste he continues to amp it up.

by KMarch on Nov 1, 2011 9:01 PM EDT reply actions