Going To War With No Weapons: A Falcons-Texans Recap
by Dave Choate on Dec 5, 2011 7:30 AM EST
in Falcons News
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PrintMatt Ryan was aggressive from his first snap on Sunday, arcing throws downfield to Julio Jones and Roddy White. Both of those throws could have been touchdowns.
Both were dropped overthrown.
At the very end of the game, Matt Ryan had the Falcons at the 25. Julio Jones had just made a nice catch. Ryan would have looked for him again on the next play, but Jones committed a costly penalty and backed the team up five yards.
Two plays later, with the clock winding all the way down, Jones couldn't reel in a pass with Kareem Jackson in his face. Game.
You can point more fingers than Shiva in this one—at a defense unwilling to challenge T.J. Yates after Andre Johnson went down, at Dunta Robinson for an extremely costly penalty, at Mike Mularkey and the offensive line for being unable to protect Matt Ryan—but if you're looking for an iconic image to affix to the team's calendar alongside a frowny face, Jones dropping a beautiful pass would probably be it.
Longest sentence ever? Longest sentence ever.
Embarrassing is a good word for how the offense played against the Texans in general. While the defense put up a game fight and held the Texans to just 17 points, the offense struggled mightily to put ten on the board. Jones and White's drops were glaring, but how to account for Ryan and Michael Turner's middling days? That would largely go back to the offensive line, which was overmatched by the Texans' front seven. That in turn goes back to Mike Mularkey, who could not or would not change his plays to offer Ryan a little time.
To put a finer point on it, the entire offense is to blame. Right behind them are the two soul-crushing penalties that cost the Falcons defensive touchdowns, which might have won the game. Knowing that this team—this gifted, intelligent team that is about as consistent as rain in the Sahara—could have pulled this out if not for seemingly dozens of mistakes in execution is truly haunting. It's not so much that they lost to a tough team, it's more the way they lost to that team.
Silver linings? The Falcons are still 7-5 and in the thick of the wild card race.The defense that was so long the bogeyman of fans everywhere has become a terrific unit, one that can hold the Texans to 17 points even with two of its top three cornerbacks and one of its starting linebackers out of the game. And despite everything, the Falcons came incredibly close to at least tying the game up at the end against one of the best teams in the NFL this season.
Even better, the Giants, Cowboys and Lions all lost, so the Falcons kept pace in the wild card race. How's that for a font of optimism?
Ultimately, though, the Falcons have to improve swiftly and take advantage of the gift the rest of the NFC gave them last night. That starts today.
After the jump, a breakdown of the individual performances.
THE HIGHLIGHTS
- It was obviously not Matt Ryan's finest day as a pro, but give him a lot of credit for being relentless. Under pressure all day long, he managed to get rid of the ball and made some truly nice throws. Without the drops, Ryan might have had three touchdowns, and we'd all be feeling a lot better about his day.
- Let's give props for effort to Michael Turner, who had a bad day but fought hard. Facing one of the league's best defenses behind a struggling offensive line, it's a wonder he had any yards at all.
- Tony Gonzalez is an ageless wonder. He caught seven passes for 100 yards and continues to be the best option in the passing game who won't drop a pass.
- On those plays were they were not affected by the dropsies, Julio Jones and Roddy White looked very good. Jones should have had a touchdown on the pass he reeled in over Jason Allen, but he couldn't keep his feet in bounds. When they're consistent, they're one of the best duos in football. When they're not...well, we'll get to that.
- Harry Douglas is arguably underused in this offense. He had four nice catches and continues to be fearless in traffic, a great trait for a wide receiver.
- Sure, it was only a 19 yard field goal, but Matt Bryant is automatic. Money. Moneymatic.
- Matt Bosher has gone from jittery rookie who can't punt a ball to save his life to one of the best punters in the league. This was, I believe, the third straight week where he averaged over 50 yards a punt. Couple that with his willingness to run downfield and go for the tackle and you've got a player who continues to impress the hell out of me.
- Curtis Lofton played his ass off yesterday. He had 11 tackles, helped out in coverage when asked and absolutely wrecked T.J. Yates for a big sack. The Police has operated in Sean Weatherspoon's shadow a bit this year, but he remains a great middle linebacker.
- James Sanders could have had a touchdown, but that's okay. All he did was make plays all game long, finishing with ten tackles and regularly appearing near the ball.
- John Abraham had a sack. A year ago, that was like writing that water is wet and also hydrating, but hey.
- A secondary that featured Chris Owens and Dominique Franks as its second and third cornerbacks allowed only 188 passing yards. Admittedly it was T.J. Yates, but I thought Dunta Robinson in particular hung in tough against Andre Johnson, while Owens and Franks mostly held their own. Thomas DeCoud was a bit of a machine.
- Vance Walker was questionable and still forced a fumble. That's my boy.
- Last but not least, Mike Peterson had a great game playing for Stephen Nicholas. He nearly had a touchdown on a turnover and was in the backfield all day long.
LOWLIGHTS
- Ryan mostly gets a pass for having drop-addled receivers and a struggling line, but he's still overthrowing receivers, which is leading to passes thudding onto the turf and the occasional interception. Something to work on before a game against a much weaker Panthers secondary.
- Roddy White had a touchdown and a few nice catches, but he was targeted 15 times and only came up with four grabs in all. Again, there were mitigating circumstances—Jonathan Joseph is no joke—but White has to play better.
- Julio Jones looked like a lost rookie today. Between the drops, not knowing where his feet were in the end zone and that dumb penalty near the end of the game, it was a miserable game for the vaunted Jones. I think it's wise to temper our expectations for him the rest of the way, because as good as he clearly is, he's got some learning and growing left to do.
- The offensive line was horrible today. While the Texans didn't get any sacks, someone was constantly in the backfield with a hand in Ryan's face, forcing him to make throws before he wanted to. Add Tyson Clabo's two penalties in one series and you've got a recipe for disaster that produced disaster-flavored cookies.
- Mike Mularkey can't force his guys to execute better. He can, however, adjust to the fact that the Texans are basically bull rushing the passer at will. Mularkey chose not to, and the Falcons suffered for it. If your quarterback has no time and they're keying on the run, it's time to swirl in the occasional draw, screen pass or gadget play just to make them think twice.
- Dunta Robinson's hold on the Mike Peterson touchdown was egregiously dumb, and you could argue that it cost the Falcons the game. I will defend Dunta's overall play in this one, but I can't shield him from the very legitimate criticism that he should have done anything but get a penalty there.
- As KMarch mentioned in the game thread, the defense's decision to not stack up against the Texans' potent running game once Andre Johnson went out was a little mystifying.
- The execution has been killing this team all year long. At some point, it becomes a simple matter of playing smart football, and the Falcons still aren't there yet.
THE WRAPUP
Game MVP: Curtis Lofton, by virtue of spearheading a strong defensive effort.
Game Theme Song: Music of some sort. I dunno.
One Thing To Take Away: The Falcons sometimes make way too many mistakes. When they do, they invariably lose.
Next Week: It's back to Carolina to play the increasingly dangerous Panthers. For a lot more, go check out Cat Scratch Reader.
Final Word: Disappointing.
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This is my least favorite team of the Mike Smith era.
I want to like this team and believe in them, but they are consistently underperforming in big moments. It seems every week that the the whole is less than the sum of the parts.
I will maintain my Falcons-homer-optimism however and hope that, if nothing else will, this game will finally wake everyone up and will finish out at 11 – 5. All our Wild Card competitors lost yesterday as well, so this could have been much, much worse.
With the way...
this team is operating on Offense right now there is now way we are beating NO at their house and finishing any better than 10-6. And, we still have one more game with TB at our house and that team and its coach has made it a personal point that his team show up to play us.
!!
We could very well end up 9-7…and this isn’t even pessimistic at this point…it’s a F***ing fact of how this "O" is (under)performing this season!!
"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
"We now have exactly the same situation as we had at the start of the race, only exactly the opposite" - Murray Walker, Sportscaster
Of All The Teams
with a winning record in the NFC. The Falcons have the lowest point total. It is the offense.
Agree wholeheartedly
I'm not going to think of something extra witty or clever to say, I don't want to convince you to see things my way, I just have 2 words for you: JEREMY LAMB
If we could stop shooting ourlselves in the foot...
…I want to Falcons to play balls out all game long whether we’re ahead or behind. I want the offense to score and KEEP scoring whether we’re up by 3 or up by 33. Keep the foot on the gas like New Orleans does, New England does, Green Bay does and Indy does (w/ Peyton Manning). I want the defense to continue to play and keep up the pressure they used to help GET a lead in order to KEEP that lead. Don’t let up. That Prevent defense is what allows other teams to get back in the game. So defensively, I believe we’re good. I just hope BVG can fine tune that secondary. But OFFENSIVELY? That’s a completely different animal. MM has to go. I like Mike Smith. I believe he is a good coach and he’s of great character. He’s definately a players coach and I like "players coaches". Great "team" building. So keep MS. Keep BVG and for the love of GOD and the Falcons, FIRE MIKE MULARKEY!!!
I recommend Norv Turner as our OC. He’s a horrible Head Coach, but an Awesome OC. Remember those years the Cowboys dominate in the 1990’s? Well guess who the OC was. Norv Turner. Just a thought.
If Norv Turner is nothing like MM than yes
I believe our offense and defense are too old school for today’s NFL.
Atlanta will win a championship....someday
Our defense was great yesterday
They completely covered their WRs and did not let their elite QB play his game… Really ? I know we are trying to stay positive but being too critical is not a shame when we deal with Falcons and their FO. It’s always well paid job for them and painful entertainment for us.
For some unknown reason all the team regressed. Dig deeper – what about the next season ?
Even the Jaguars
only allowed that team to score 17 points. We made a pretty good effort on defense, but bottom line? Results count, effort don’t.
No answer
Fans, we will never be able to explain this year. A team that played almost without errors last year just can’t show up every week. We can point fingers at MM and Bvg but our players are just flat at times.
I really think we have some ProBowl hang over. I’m amazed at how off MR and RW are at times!
I love this team but we might get a WC place but I’m afraid of a one and out!
Then it’s a full offseason and MS has to step back and take a hard look at this team!
TD and him will need to make some changes!
We have the personal I believe I really do!
We just are missing a little SOMETHING!!
The great teams find it, others don’t.
by Sbaron55 on Dec 5, 2011 8:02 AM EST via mobile reply actions
Rumors of a football team in Atlanta are greatly exaggerated.
I’m unclear why anyone wants this team to reach the playoffs, 1. more embarrassment 2. self abuse 3. object denial 4. proof of product. 5. user enjoys hopeless feeling.
A rookie QB made Ryan look really bad. I did think the two “drops” mentioned early in the article were overthrows but there were a lot of drops. Ryan’s ability to go deep has faded, does he have a shoulder or elbow problem?
This team looks like a Smith family team from before Arthur Blank and currently , Mike Smith does not appear to be able to fix it any more than June Jones could.
by Merle T Cornpone on Dec 5, 2011 8:12 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Ryan looked fine
Its our damn receivers that can’t catch. JJ and RW are killing us with drops. That was a TD with 0 sec remaining and Julio had it in his hands and dropped it. We really need to consider moving HD to #2, its noticeable that we play better without Julio in the lineup. Atleast HD can catch a damn football.
Oh, come on!
Yes Julio was awful yesterday, but he’s a rookie. Rookies have bad days. Julio now has 34 Receptions on 61 Targets (55.7% at 16.6 YPC). HD has 31 Receptions on 57 Targets (54.4% at 13.8 YPC). Julio is the better option.
"Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital." - Aaron Levenstein
by orang3b on Dec 5, 2011 9:56 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I actually think Julio might be a little better in the slot
or maybe more looks in the slot. Are we that old school that Julio is a wideout and nothing else?
Atlanta will win a championship....someday
Think outside the Box
Put RW84 in the slot and put the speed outside. Almost guarantees single coverage on RW everytime. At this point there is nothing to lose.
Julio is a Rookie
Dan Reeves never drafted a rookie wide receiver in the first round, because he felt it took atleast 2 years before they performed at a high level. I think we were all expecting far more from Julio in his first year than we should have. I think once he learns the system fully and picks up some team chemistry and confidence he will have a bigger impact. Until then HD just seems to be a more clutch performer overall.
Disagree, Times have changed
AJ Green, Torrey Smith, Hakeem Nicks, Percy Harvin, Kenny Britt…I’ll give him he had the lockout but people don’t need such a long adjustment period to the NFL anymore.
by Falconzfan284 on Dec 5, 2011 2:28 PM EST up reply actions
I think we're missing something here
Julio might have better catch rate, but he’s played fewer snaps – he missed 3-4 games, from the top of my head. in other words, Ryan looks in Julio’s direction a lot more, and HD is only 4th or 5th option in our passing game. problem is, when Julio is on the field, MM and/or Ryan tend to overlook HD.
Atlanta Falcons fan in Moscow, Russia
I couldn't agree with you more
But, I think it is RW who is really killing this team. He needs to shut up with the trash talk and all the twitter crap and get back to basics of learning how to catch a ball again. If he wasn’t so arrogant/ignorant he would stop trying to act live a football diva and realize that he isn’t a great ball player anymore. RW, please don’t say anything (trashtalk or twitter wise until you can prove that you can catch a dang ball again!
Someone fired up the hyperbole machine.
I'm on the Twitter: twitter.com/edgrohl
by Duff_Man on Dec 5, 2011 9:18 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Sorely disappointed
Going into the game I was a bit excited what we’d see. But then the way this year has gone, I had in the back of my mind a possible loss, just not one this sorry. I live in Japan and wake up at 3am Monday to watch the 1am games. Early in the morning I was screaming at the computer, then it all just faded into numbness and disbelief. What the heck is going on with Julio? And some people might say this game was more a loss because of execution and mistakes, but you’re right, the coaching element is key. Why were we tossing the ball downfield from the beginning? This is not Falcons football. We have to take advantage of certain moments. Ryan appears in over his head at times. He got schooled by a Rookie on the other side of the ball for crying out loud. A ROOK!! How??!!
I’m really sick of this team, but I’m a fan for life, born in Georgia growing up watching the bumbling Falcons. In a way this game wasn’t much different from Falcons games of old. But what can be taken from this loss, what positives I was thinking. Really, in every loss there is something to be learned. Look at Green Bay last year and how they were 10-6 going into the playoffs. Somewhere along the way a fire got lit. With this team, what I think I’ve learned from watching this team, is that (1) they are not “one piece away” but rather a few drafts away. (2) Trading for Julio was a mistake. I don’t know who out there agrees with me, but from what I’ve seen so far, this was a major error by TD. The drafting of Julio is making TD look more idiot than savant. (3) Mike Smith is clueless about beating good teams. His conservative philosophy may suit the Atlanta region as a whole, but it’s not working, as we can all see. This team, as it IS and as they’ve PERFORMED are simply going to be one hit wonders every other year and never put it together. (4) Our defense is good. Regardless of how we lost to a ROOK, our guys were out there on the field forever all day and had to overcome a major mistake, but they made a stop to get us the ball back to win the game. Whoever thinks our defense isn’t good, shut up. We were without some major weapons and held our own. This defense has enough to help us win a championship, so long as it’s all healthy. And last but not least, (5) MM must go. We need some kind of change, and I’m pretty darn sure that this will be his final year whether we make the playoffs or win the Super Bowl. Hopefully we win the Super Bowl and ends up being a head coach somewhere else. But we won’t win the Super Bowl this year with the remarkable points you already mentioned. Lack of adaptability. The Falcons just don’t have a clue right now, and it’s sad cause I’m a loyal fan. I’m even traveling on a 14-hour flight to see the Tampa Bay game. I still can’t believe we are in this thing. But I’m sure we’ll be one and done like last year. Unless a flame gets lit. But who’s gonna light it and who’s gonna carry it? I don’t see it this year. Not yet.
by kaminator on Dec 5, 2011 8:30 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
people always complain about lack of offensive creativity
and running michael turner up the middle on 1st down. So dont complain about throwing it downfield on the first series. A mix up most people were on the brink of rioting for. Oh and both of those plays should have been touchdowns too but Ryan overthrew…
I
was GLAD to hear that we took two deep shots to start off the game, and I think it was because to keep them on their toes. Everyone expects us first down to RUN turner up the gut, so I see no reason why we can’t take a shot, when we have the players we have.
*In Matt I Trust*
http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/9455/grimessig.jpg
by nj_falconfan on Dec 5, 2011 12:09 PM EST up reply actions
fully agree
those missed throws were still great from the playcalling perspective.
what I hated seeing (from the same playcalling perspective) is that Ryan kept forcing throws to Roddy and Julio who had off days by WR1 and WR2 standards. I didn’t see enough of Snelling, Quizz and HD.
Atlanta Falcons fan in Moscow, Russia
very passionate
and I support every point you brought up.
it doesn’t take as much heroics for me to watch the 1pm games (it’s “only” 10pm here), but I know that feeling, when you are up late night (or early morning) and seeing your team disappoint you in the waning seconds of the game… and then wake up in a few hours experiencing somthing similar to alcoholic hangover…
but things are way different when your team wins!
Atlanta Falcons fan in Moscow, Russia
All about perspective
First off, that was a painful game to watch. The drops are heart breaking, but road games will always be difficult, and there is a reason the Texans have the best defense in the league.
But, before everyone pulls out the guns to shoot a lame dog, remember that this team is still 7-5 and heading into a stretch where we SHOULD finish 10-6 or even 11-5. It’s looking more and more possible that a 10-6 record will still get us into the playoffs, and no matter what the regular season looks like, the second season is a completely different animal.
Alas – one reminder: the current undefeated Packers, who are also the defending champions – were wildly inconsistent last year as well. In fact, that team lost two games in a row in weeks 14 and 15 of the season, dropping a very painful game to a Lions team. However, those losses arguably put that team into “playoff mode” into the home stretch. It forced them to develop mental resolve and toughness and ultimately helped them get into the mindset it takes to win in the playoffs.
Are we the Packers of last year? Maybe, maybe not. The point is that one game does not make a season and there is lots of football left to be played.
I believe in this team, as frustrating as they can be. I believe we have the talent and the ability to make THAT kind of run.
So for now, put the guns away, and let’s see how our guys finish. It’s not about the stumbles or the should-haves or could-haves – it’s about what comes after.
I don't mean to compare this team to the Packers, but...
Didn’t they sneak into the playoffs on a Desean Jackson punt return with no time left in the game in Week 17?
I'm on the Twitter: twitter.com/edgrohl
50 CALIBER
THAT WAS THE EAGLES W/ DESEAN JACKSON AND THE PUNT RETURN. BUT THE PACKERS DID NEED SOME HELP TO GET IN.
no
he’s right, because if the giants win that game, the packers are out.
*In Matt I Trust*
http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/9455/grimessig.jpg
by nj_falconfan on Dec 5, 2011 12:10 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I tend to blame...
…the OT Field Goal by Detroit, on the road, in Tampa in week 15. It was a 3-10 team who had not won on the road for 26 games, being lead by Drew “Who?” Stanton, beating an 8-5 playoff contender. That, for me, was the freak accident that pushed GB to the playoffs.
Packers of last year? no way
They were much better than their record. They had 4 losses by 3 points (including 2 in OT) and 2 losses by 4 points. They played like a 12-4 team (Pythagorean “Expected Wins” using point differential was 12.1, second best in the NFL). We are currently 13th in points differential.
The better example to use for an out-of-nowhere run when there seems to be no hope is the 2007 NY Giants. People forget, but they kinda stunk during the regular season. They also stumbled into the postseason at 10-6, going just 4-4 in the second half of the year (but only 8.6 “Expected Wins”, 13th in point differential). Somehow they won 3 road playoff games and then made 18-1 happen.
"Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital." - Aaron Levenstein
Yep
And GB didn’t trail by more than 7 at any point point during their last season, even if they lost 6 games. They were never out of reach in any game. (We do have our yearly blowout where we can’t do nothing to stay in the game.)
The Texans treated us...
…like we treated other teams last year. OUR front 7 were worn out by a relentless rush attack which came through when it HAD to. THEIR somewhat lackluster QB made the plays they NEEDED when it counted most. OUR skill players made timely boneheaded errors, saving a victory.
Our 2 Defensive TD’s that should have been – the first one I’m not too upset about, since EVERYONE thought the field goal unit was going to go out after what appeared to be an incomplete pass… but guys – learn to wait for the damn whistle. As for the INT – to be fair, if Dunta hadn’t held on that play, that’s the receiver Yates was looking down, so the pass caught by Mo Pete would not have been thrown.
The lack of innovation in our offense is what continues to baffle me. One poorly executed flea-flicker does not imagination make. How many screen passes or pitches were tossed to Quizz? How many passes to Snells? Everyone knows how dangerous these two cats are in the passing game… everyone except MM, I guess. Julio is a mismatch almost everywhere on the field – but this was not exploited the way they have done in previous games.
Other than the 4th quarter TD, our Defense looked really good for most of the game. If the Offense could sustain some drives, they wouldn’t wear out. AND they looked that good without Grimey.
Of course… I remember the days when we’d still be getting excited about the potential for a winning season. This would make 4 in a row… but I have become just as spoiled as the rest you, I s’pose.
by Mnemonic on Dec 5, 2011 8:59 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
We have
raised the expectations of this team and rightfully so. 4 winning seasons and yearly playoff contention will do that to a fan base. I don’t think anybody is upset with the strides that this franchise has made and we are looking for this team to take the next step. I believe that this team will make the playoffs as a Wild Card and I hope we can get a victory. Lots to work on between now and then though.
by VA Dirty Bird on Dec 5, 2011 9:09 AM EST up reply actions
the irony is
when Julio is on the field and he’s in good mood, he can make things happen. when he’s not in good mood, and Ryan keeps forcing those throws, bad things happen – we completely overlook other weapons – Quizz, Snelling, and, more importantly, HD.
Atlanta Falcons fan in Moscow, Russia
OUR Wide Receivers F--Ked Us
Its not Matt Ryans fault that Julio and Roddy couldn’t catch a ball yesterday. Not all balls were perfectly thrown, but you expect elite players to make most of those catches. Last play of the game was a Touchdown that Julio had in his hands and he dropped it. I’m at a loss with White, this guys needs to start earning a paycheck…
50 CALIBER
I agree 100 percent roddy is not hustlin’ he’s playing half hearted, we are 10-2 with RW’s two touchdown drops and julio game tieing drop. Other teams WR’s help the QB a lot ours just keep hurting the QB over and over again.
If you are going to blame
It has to start with Matt Ryan. Man if he just puts more air under the first throw of the game that’s a TD. And I think that helps the WR’s confidence for the rest of the game.
They say so much now it’s a QB driven league so it has to start with Matt.
I personally think they should stick to passes 15 – 40 yds. I like Matt and all but to me he’s just not a long ball thrower. So the coaches should stick to a game plan that is within his strengths and stop trying to be G.B., N.O., and Indy.
This is what happens when
“A win is a win” becomes the mantra of a team. Barely beating bad teams leads to pathetic showings against good teams. Yesterday was pathetic.
Silver linings? Boscher shouls change his name to Basher. At one point he had a 50 yards per punt average with very good placement. The ST’s played very well from what I saw. Spoon continued to have a great year. The man-to-man coverage was very good. There were a few others.
Issues – BVG’s pathetic excsue for pressure on Yates. A rookie QB whose main WR was not 100%. Going into zone pass coverage when man-to-man worked well. Even when Franks gave up the deep reception to Johnson he had great coverage and was out muscled. Johnson would have done that to any of our DB’s. Nout using Quizz or Snelling until late in the game. Not calling any plays to reduce HST’s pass rush. The list could continue.
I have to laugh at all the groussing about White and JJ. Did people not notice how many drops that TG had? There is a systemic issue here unless all of our receivers have contracted the same affliction, which I doubt. Why isn’t the WR coach addressing these issues? ATL must be leading the league in dropped passes at this point. When the issue it that wide spread what is the commen factor – coaching.
At this point I want to see all the coaches gone except for MS and the coaches for the OL and STs. I am not leaving MS out of the mix but keeping the head coach with maintain a modicum of stability during the transition.
50 caliber
I agree about Tony’s drops but he makes the big catches while the others consistantly don’t.
Dunta Robinson's negatives outweigh his positives.
His talent is fading so he relies on holding and late hits to overcome his talent deficiencies. I’ve seen him fall down several times in each game, Some were to cover up the fact the receiver had beaten him.
When is his contract up?
Dunta was way Overrated
His stats were never that good even in Houston.Even before his ACL. I don’t think he was more to blame for our loss than our WR’s but that hold was a killer.
The hold was a killer?
One single play made or broke the game? I cannot believe people actually are saying things like that. How about the lack of pressure on Yates for the ENTIRE game? How about the lack or use or misuse of the RB’s for the ENTIRE game?
People complaining about DR are funny. Do you guys know the system that DR played well in compared to what we run? Isn’t it the coaches job to set up schemes that maximize the players skills?
Maybe
but we can’t have 4 guys playing zone and one guy playing man to man. You have to find guys that fit well into a system.
Yes and ATL needs
to go to more man to man. DR and BG would do very well in man to man. Franks is fine in the little man to man he’s played, well, for the most part.
The issue, in my opinion, is the system. There no DB’s, S’s or LB’s that accel in the pass schemes we have. So you either replace everyone for system players or you get rid of the DC and replace with a better system. Which one would be the easiest and be the best for the team in the future?
You get to the QB you win
Zone or Man to Man, any QB will pick you apart if you give them time. Even Tebow! lol
A missed positive
Our punt and kickoff coverage teams were outstanding. Weems may cause the shakes as a returner, but that guy is an absolute demon on punt and kick coverage teams.
I'm on the Twitter: twitter.com/edgrohl
by Duff_Man on Dec 5, 2011 9:22 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Yeah...
but his dumb mistakes and penalties out way any good he has done so far this year. It’s maddening!!
"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
"We now have exactly the same situation as we had at the start of the race, only exactly the opposite" - Murray Walker, Sportscaster
the only good D we play
for the rest of the year is JAX but the good news with that is their O is terrible. The D played well our line is to undersized to play well against a 3-4 defense. I dont blame the 5 yard penalty on JJ he just tried to get the ball HD needs to get more involved and Quizz is turning into Norwood 2.0 completely missed used
This one made me think about Michael Koenen's comment......
……about the Falcons being and “uptight” organization.
We looked uptight the entire game……more uptight than we ever have in my opinion. The drops, Matt Ryan’s very uncharacteristic delay of game penalties, a seemingly overwhelmed offensive line……everything just seemed “off”.
Even then, we were a dropped pass away from overtime, in a game where I thought we looked HORRIBLE…..when I look at the Lions, Cowboys, Bears, and Giants……I see far more disarray, than I do with the Falcons – but this game made me concerned that we are becoming like those teams. So, the glass is still half full, but we can’t afford another uptight game like this.
My biggest frustration with this game wasn’t the drops or the boneheaded plays and penalties. What bothered me more was the Texans last drive where Foster ran the ball 11 straight times, right down our throats, and we couldn’t stop it.
By contrast, we have this supposedly “very good” back in Michael Turner, and he couldn’t do a thing. You might say, well, their run d is really good, and we didn’t block well. I’m sorry, I don’t buy it. Foster made quick cuts to get out of traffic and he single-handedly beat a good run defense. Turner is just flat not able to perform at that level.
We need to transition carries NOW to Rogers and Snelling………they are BETTER options, especially in the 2nd half of games, where Turner has been awful this season – really awful.
In the playoffs – if we see the 49ers – they will do pound us with Gore – and a better D.
I just have a hard time believing we can win a playoff game right now – against anyone………..not because of the drops and penalties………but because we play uptight and we keep handing the ball to a guy that gets progressively less productive throughout the course of each game……..we’ve GOT to stop that.
50 caliber
I bet Keonen wishes he still played for the uptight falcons instead of the lazy Bucs
I agree.......
……..but he doesn’t seem like the type of guy that would spout off about something like that unless it were true.
by AuxiliaryHusky on Dec 5, 2011 10:05 AM EST up reply actions
Are you kidding?
he just got passed off for a rookie punter, of course he would be bitter. You don’t know anything about Koenen so don’t say he doesn’t seem like the type. Matt Bryant had some pretty strong words for the Bucs when they cut him and he started doing well in ATL.
Watching shows like D-Block and other media from atlantafalcons.com, it’s pretty clear that the locker room atmosphere is excellent, and that most the guys on the team genuinely like each other.
No, he is not that type of guy and I know
I go to the same PT that he used to go. The guys is Mr. religious and nice all around.
Snelling is consistently a half-yard worse than Turner (per Carry)
including in 2009, when they both had ~150 carries. I say he should not be on the field unless 1) it’s an obvious passing down, 2) we’re ahead by 3 TD’s, or 3) it’s a Special Teams play. I’m ready for them to give Quizz more carries; Snelling… no thanks.
"Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital." - Aaron Levenstein
by orang3b on Dec 5, 2011 10:21 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
It's true, MT is a better back than Snelling but yesterday Quizz and Snell should've seen the field more. A lot more.
Turner’s numbers 14/14 w/a long of 16. Take away his one good run and his YPC drops from 3.1(meh) to 2.1(yuck). Snelling had two carries for 16 yards and then disappeared. Quizz had ONE carry for 0 yards. That groin injury slowed him against a very stout D. To boot we were trying to stretch him outside with the damn injury. Our team is stuck in neutral in all facets except punting(ha!). We have a plethora of weapons yet have no idea how to deploy them, our line was brutal yesterday, our pass rush was just sad again, 3rd downs…again WR’s can’t catch, QB can’t throw, coaches can’t coach etc.
Do all these things happen all the time? No, but they happen enough to knock this team down to the second tier. Can anyone honestly say, other than the colt game, has this team come close to playing 4 quarters of solid football? Not perfect football because you will have a 3 and outs, you will give up points and yards but solid football. We’ve gotten 3 quarters, a half, sometimes one quarter. You don’t play with the big boys doing that.
I believe we have the talent in the skill positions to compete but we don’t have the staff. This is a new league. High school zone schemes and bend but don’t break mentalities don’t work anymore because you will break more often than not, calling plays on offense that look like you’ve practiced them once, the day before won’t work, having a play where your tiniest WR is called upon to block a blitzing LB is…I don’t know what to say.
MM is an arrogant coach who refuses to believe he needs to evolve, BVG is a scared coach who is so terrified of giving up the big play he can’t adjust to in game changes. The funny thing is, we STILL give up the big play. I don’t know what to make of Smith. I will say this. From 1973-1977 Chuck Knox led the Rams to double digit win seasons and division titles. He was fired after the 77 season because they couldn’t take that next step. Sometimes good isn’t good enough. Sorry about the length everyone. Just bummed and frustrated.
with all due respect, I disagree
1. As aces666high pointed out, the sample size is just too small – we’re not letting Snelling and Quizz show what they really can do in our run offense. going back to the stats from years ago is not useless, but doesn’t convince me. Turner had to carry the rock a lot more, and by definition Snelling should be a fresher back.
2. Versatility. When we rotate those guys, it gives the D headaches, because each runner has his own unique style.
3. Most importantly, RB’s involvement in the PASSING GAME! Snelling has the hands of a wide receiver. remember that TD against NO? So when Snelling is on the field, the D has to expect not just a run but also a quick pass and run out of the backfield. Same with Quizz – an ideal weapon for a screen pass.
so, to sum it up, I respect the stats, but I still don’t get why Snelling and Quizz are not reducing Turner’s carries.
Atlanta Falcons fan in Moscow, Russia
you keep throwing out that Turner has been 'awful' in the 2nd half
can you actually prove it? Of our 7 wins, Turner has had critical runs late in the majority of them.
well, no I can't......
……..are there first half/second half stats out there? I haven’t looked. I do know that when we have (on many occasions) had 2 good opening drives to start games, Turner has gotten a big chunk of his yardage. After that, throughout the remainder of the game, it seems to be 2 runs of zero or negative yards to every one of 5 yards or more.
I watch every play of every game……..and I’ve developed a huge dislike for Turner as a Falcon. I don’t like his body language or his running style. As was stated earlier by cheshire, Turner constantly puts us in 2nd and long……….it drives me nuts. We need a multi-dimensional feature back that doesn’t put us in 2nd and long MULTIPLE times every game.
by AuxiliaryHusky on Dec 5, 2011 11:19 AM EST up reply actions
Know what else puts us in 2nd and long? Incomplete passes.
And on first down this season we have 159 passes to 76 runs, which ranks us 9th in the NFL for passes on first. So don’t act like Turner is this team’s Barry Sanders and crippling us on 2nd and third downs. We pass twice as much as we run on 1st.
http://espn.go.com/nfl/statistics/team/_/stat/downs
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by Duff_Man on Dec 5, 2011 11:26 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
.....and I'm saying we wouldn't have to....
…….pass so much on first down if we had a better feature back.
by AuxiliaryHusky on Dec 5, 2011 11:27 AM EST up reply actions
nah, not really
It’s clear your bias is at work here, but even to ignore that, do you know how difficult it would be to find a better back than Michael Turner right now? Furthermore, even if we did, that back would still have to run behind this shitty excuse for an OLine. IMO, Michael Turner is the perfect kind of back for our OLine, b/c at least he can move the pile a lot of the times. A better back, like Barry Sanders to keep the discussion going, would dance around and maybe create plays, but also have even more plays for losses behind this atrocious blocking, especially against good front-seven’s like HOU.
by KMarch on Dec 5, 2011 11:48 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
.......what pile has Turner EVER moved?
Yes, I’m biased. I don’t want him on my favorite team. I’ve never seen Michael Turner consistently push piles forward. Am I missing something? He runs half-hearted with a body that could truly punish people if he cared more.
You’re right, there’s nothing we can do it about it now, except scale back his usage. We’ll have to wait till that off-season to find a better back.
I have stated here before that I don’t believe the Falcons will win a playoff game in which Turner has 20+ carries. That formula works against the Carolinas and even the Detroits of the NFL, but it will never work against any of the current teams ahead of the Falcons for post season seeds…….except maybe Dallas.
by AuxiliaryHusky on Dec 5, 2011 1:07 PM EST up reply actions
That's an insult to Barry Sanders, methinks.
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by Caleb Rutherford on Dec 5, 2011 11:38 AM EST up reply actions
Yet another talent that was wasted.
I feel the same way for Larry Fitzgerald.
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by Caleb Rutherford on Dec 5, 2011 11:41 AM EST up reply actions
Splts for Turner
here.
1st Quarter = 3.9 YPC
2Q = 5.0
3Q = 4.5
4Q = 3.9
Carries 1-10 = 4.7 YPC
Carries 11-20 = 3.8 YPC
Carries 21+ = 3.8 YPC
"Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital." - Aaron Levenstein
by orang3b on Dec 5, 2011 11:33 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
should say splits
and the 4.7 YPC for Carries 1-10 would be tied for 20th; 3.8 for 11-20 is tied for 16th; and the 21+ Carries number (3.8) is tied for 8th, FYI.
"Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital." - Aaron Levenstein
by orang3b on Dec 5, 2011 11:38 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Right now it feels like this team loses games on 1st and 2nd down
I can’t count the # of times I’ve watched us run the exact same series: Run up the middle for a gain of 2, Incomplete Pass, and before you know it we’re in 3rd and 8. If you put yourself in that position over and over and over, even the worst defenses are gonna take you off the field. That’s how you have 2 twelve play drives yesterday that yield you a grand total of ZERO points. That’s how you see an offense loaded with pro-bowlers go 3 and out more often than they should. It feels like we treat 1st and 2nd downs as either "time to fool around and see if we can do something big" or "time to run some throw away plays in the off chance that something big happens". We are just constantly digging out of a hold to get a 1st down, and you can’t live like that in the NFL and expect to be successful.
Until our offense can make life easier on itself, they are going to continue to be a disappointment. Watching the Patriots the other day and one thing you quickly notice about them is that they aren’t constantly in 3rd and long. They are efficiently and consistently moving the ball. That doesn’t mean they never get in 3rd down situations, but when they do, it’s 3rd and 2, and not 3rd and 10. The %’s of conversion are like night and day when you put yourself in such better situations.
And look, I like Matt Ryan a lot and I think he’s a very good QB… but the only way you’re gonna succeed by playing such a risky brand of football is to have a Brees or a Rodgers type QB who can consistently make those throws. Matt Ryan isn’t that guy, at least not for now. If you’re putting drives together that require your QB to convert 3rd and longs over and over again with his arm, then guess what’s gonna happen when your QB is completing less than 50% of his passes like Ryan did yesterday? Or when his accuracy rate plummets when the distance of his targets increases? It’s like we’re constantly putting him in a position to do exactly what he’s not that great at.
........totally agree
……..well said Cheshire.
Actually, it looks like to me that MM has decided that we’re not a run first offense, so he’s trying to figure out what we are instead. I’m encouraged by this, because I don’t think we have the feature back needed to be a run first offense.
Hopefully we’ll figure it out in the next few games. The personnel is flexible enough to adjust to something a little more “west coast” oriented……..except for Turner, he just needs to be on the field less.
by AuxiliaryHusky on Dec 5, 2011 10:11 AM EST up reply actions
The Falcons have not been a run
first offense for two years!! I just don’t get why people are still stuck in that idea.
Agreed and...
I have been trying to get through peoples heads as well.
We are a run on first DOWN team (which goes to our predictability). We pass allot…just saying…
"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
"We now have exactly the same situation as we had at the start of the race, only exactly the opposite" - Murray Walker, Sportscaster
Great
so all we need to do is sign Brees away from the Saints next year. OH! Or draft an Aaron Rodgers type and wait 4 years for him to develop.
Guys, this entire board goes nuts after a loss. Sure, Rodgers and Brees have won the last 2 Superbowls, and hell, maybe they win others. But other good (and worse) QBs will win them as well. Matt Ryan is, by far, a good enough QB to get us a superbowl. Not to mention he’s 26. I’ll repeat, TWENTY-SIX! If you think that scrapping the (highly successful) franchise-type players TD’s been acquiring over the last 4 years is the most logical way to move forward, then Arkham Asylum’s got a straitjacket waiting for you.
by KMarch on Dec 5, 2011 11:10 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
huh?......
…….I didn’t say anything negative about Ryan. My issue has always been Turner. I do think we need to draft a big RB in round 2 or 3 next year and get rid of Turner.
Right now, I can list at least 20 starting RBs I’d rather have over Turner……….easily.
by AuxiliaryHusky on Dec 5, 2011 11:23 AM EST up reply actions
I'm kind of interested to see this list of better RBs
I feel like I’ve always been pretty down on Turner (compared to most Falcons fans), and I would only have like 5 or so.
"Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital." - Aaron Levenstein
Me too...
my list would only be about 4 to 5 as well…Turner is (and has been) a beast since coming to this team.
So what do you say Aux…can we get that list??
"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
"We now have exactly the same situation as we had at the start of the race, only exactly the opposite" - Murray Walker, Sportscaster
I promise...
there will be objecive comments and debate…at least for my part anyway…
"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
"We now have exactly the same situation as we had at the start of the race, only exactly the opposite" - Murray Walker, Sportscaster
ok........here's a list of guys I would prefer
and I’ll augment my comment slightly – I said 20 starting backs, but actually some of the ones on this list don’t start. However, I would take all of them as my starting, 20+ touches per game back over Turner.
Adrian Peterson
LaSean McCoy
Steven Jackson
Peyton Hillis
Frank Gore
Marshawn Lynch
Darrin McFadden
Michael Bush
Matt Forte
Mark Ingram
Pierre Thomas
Darrin Sproles (most of the 20 touches being passes though)
Jamal Charles
LaGarrett Blount
Jonathan Stewart
Ben Jarvis Green-Ellis
James Starks
Beanie Wells
Arian Foster
Ben Tate
I’m sure there are more out there too who I would prefer. I actually really believe that if anyone of these 20 (assuming full health) were our feature back, we’d be a better team. Guys like Hillis, P Thomas, Gore, M Bush, L Blount – who are all built like Turner – run with much more downhill violence than he does.
I think Turner’s body language and running style contributes to a lack of tenacity in our offense – the other guys feed off of it, and its not positive.
I’ve seen several of you say that he runs behind a bad OL……..but I don’t see it that way. I see him break off big runs when he has a hole – which all backs do. But the good backs break off big runs where there is no hole – I’ve rarely if ever seen Turner do that.
by AuxiliaryHusky on Dec 5, 2011 1:26 PM EST up reply actions
You lost me at Law Firm
He’s a substandard starting running back.
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........sorry, clicked too fast
Green-Ellis runs HARD……….if he had 20+ touches per game, his 80+ yards would be from runs that were 99% positive yardage…….I think he’d be awesome for us.
Example – have you noticed how often Turner has come out of the game lately on goal line plays and 3rd and 1? We don’t trust him anymore. If we had a guy like Green-Ellis, we wouldn’t have that issue.
by AuxiliaryHusky on Dec 5, 2011 1:35 PM EST up reply actions
Just take my word for it
You want Turner over Green-Ellis lol.
by Falconzfan284 on Dec 5, 2011 2:32 PM EST up reply actions
If you want Green-Ellis as a goal line back, that's one thing
But Green-Ellis is averaging 4.1 yards per carry for his career. Turner is averaging 4.6. And Turner has played twice as many seasons, so there’s been time for that average to drop.
I see Green-Ellis play on a weekly basis, because I get every Patriots game up here. I would take Turner over him without hesitation.
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Since all of them had a 1600-yards season...
…and average close to 90 Yards/Game since 2008, I guess I have to agree with you.
why is that the standard?
no they haven’t, but so what?………my standard is eliminating negative plays and putting us in favorable 3rd down situations. All 20 of these guys would be an improvement in that area – and that area (in my opinion) is our single biggest problem.
by AuxiliaryHusky on Dec 5, 2011 1:37 PM EST up reply actions
What about TDs?
Can all of those guys make 47 TDs in 55 games? I guess points should still be some standard that factors into a teams performance.
yes - I think they could
……..assuming same number of touches as Turner?……..I think that number would be higher……..consider that we have given more touches to one guy in the last 4 years than any other team.
I don’t think Turner (except for the fact that he’s fairly durable) is worthy of that many touches……….at least since the beginning of last season.
by AuxiliaryHusky on Dec 5, 2011 1:45 PM EST up reply actions
Well...
Lynch is too inconsistent, great one week then nothing for 3 weeks. Bush (really??), I would start Quizz over him. Ingram is a rookie, talk to me again in 3 years about him (not uncommon for RB’s to come out of the gate with a good season…and I am not even saying he IS having one). Thomas, Sproles, Starks are not even starters and Stewart splits time thought I think he is the better of the two on the Panthers. I am neutral on the rest outside of the following which I would start over Turner:
Peterson, Foster, Rice (which didn’t even make your list for whatever reason), Jackson, Hillis and Gore.
So my list is 6 that I would start over Turner.
and thanks for the list…
"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
"We now have exactly the same situation as we had at the start of the race, only exactly the opposite" - Murray Walker, Sportscaster
forgot Rice.........
sorry………make that 21……..have you seen Michael Bush run? He’s Turner with attitude………….I agree that Lynch is inconsistent, but the Lynch I’ve seen since the playoffs last season till now is FAR BETTER than Turner……….who cares if Sproles, Thomas et. al. are not starters?……they would start for me here over Turner.
by AuxiliaryHusky on Dec 5, 2011 1:48 PM EST up reply actions
Just not a fan of...
other teams scrap…if they are not starting for their current team then why ours and all of those guys I mentioned have had plenty of chances to prove themselves as starters but changes of scenery has been known to motivate people but I would just have to pass on those guys.
Also, I know Turner was playing behind LT in San Diego but when Turner was in he was outstanding and proved he deserved a starting role somewhere.
And, I must amend my list, Forte would also be one…oversight on my part…so 7 actually.
"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
"We now have exactly the same situation as we had at the start of the race, only exactly the opposite" - Murray Walker, Sportscaster
.......fair enough
…….keep in mind though that RB is not a position that teams pay big dollars for. Its more important to have the right guy for your offense than it is to have AP. So, Turner might be more durable than a lot of these guys, or have more career touches and yards…….but I think any of these 21, would be a better “fit”.
by AuxiliaryHusky on Dec 5, 2011 1:59 PM EST up reply actions
He is...
very durable, good point.
And, I do feel we need to start looking to his eventual replacement but outside of the 7 I mentioned I would look to the draft but I can tell you now the OL needs WAY more attention than the RB situation.
I would pay one of the RB’s on my list more than Turner is getting to come play with us…just saying!! I don’t care what we pay them as long as the return on investment is good.
"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
"We now have exactly the same situation as we had at the start of the race, only exactly the opposite" - Murray Walker, Sportscaster
OK, pretty clear case of "grass is greener" with several of these, AuxiliaryHusky
Here’s a sortable table of 2008-2010 Rushing Leaders, and here’s 2011 Leaders.
So, where do I start? How about with the 3 Saints… you realize you don’t get to bring their Offensive Line along, right? Chris Ivory had 5.2 YPC and the best Success Rate (59%) in the NFL last season… do you prefer him to Turner also? I’d say it’s somewhat the same thing with McFadden/Bush and Foster/Tate, too. If everybody that totes the rock for a certain team looks great, it’s probably the O-Line doing the heavy lifting.
Steven Jackson is better than Turner. He also has over 2,000 Carries (700+ more than Turner), and is constantly banged up. He could hit “the wall” at any time now. Jamaal Charles has never averaged a workload of more than 15 Carries per Game, and is coming off an ACL tear. Guys like LeGarrette Blount, BJGE, and even Beanie Wells don’t really offer anything that Turner doesn’t have – they’re all “power” runners that bring next to nothing in the Passing game. James Starks… you can’t be serious.
Don’t know if you realize this, but Arian Foster has a worse Success Rate than Turner this season (well, before yesterday). So does Ray Rice and Steven Jackson. Gore and Lynch are just a tick above Turner.
One guy I haven’t seen mentioned yet is Maurice Jones-Drew. I think he’d be a decent fit in our “offense”. He’s performing well on an awful Offense this season; he has Rushing numbers close to what Turner puts up, and is much more useful in the Passing game.
I agree with your overall point that we need to continue to move away from the “power” running game being the foundation of the Offense, but I don’t agree that most of those names would be an upgrade on Turner. If we’re talking about one season only, I’d take Peterson, McCoy, Steven Jackson, MJD, Forte, and maybe Arian Foster and Ray Rice. No to Gore because he Fumbles too much and gets hurt every year. I could pretty easily say “no thanks” to all the others on your list. If we’re talking about 2012-2014… I’d just say draft a new RB.
"Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital." - Aaron Levenstein
by orang3b on Dec 5, 2011 5:11 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Wow...
cannot believe I forgot MJD…damnit!!
Good point about Gore to but when he is healthy…he’s nasty. I don’t like McCoy at all and I will be the first to admit it is a biased thing with the Eegles this year, I shouldn’t do that but it creeps in sometimes.
Rice is one I really like, has good legs and hands and just seems to find a way to leg out more yards or get good YAC when receiving. This is who I see Quizz turning into actually and if that happens then this whole conversation is mute…just saying…
"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
"We now have exactly the same situation as we had at the start of the race, only exactly the opposite" - Murray Walker, Sportscaster
I'd love to have MJD
Rec’d.
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You're kind of missing my point
My post wasn’t a knock against Ryan. Nowhere did I say we should cut him or that he’s never going to be an elite QB. What i’m saying is that right now, our offense is operating in such a way that is risky and putting Ryan in a position where he has to do things that, at this point in his career, he’s statistically not very good at.
The offense is setting itself up to fail. I bring other QBs up because the only way what we’re doing works is if you have a guy who is at the level of a Rodgers or Brees. That doesn’t mean there’s a problem with the QB we have – it means there’s a problem with what we’re doing on our first and second downs, which is essentially nothing.
by cheshire falcon on Dec 5, 2011 11:27 AM EST up reply actions
totally agree..........
…….and I think we have the personnel to fix it. I’m not sure we have an OC that figure it out though, but it looks like he’s trying……..we’ll see.
by AuxiliaryHusky on Dec 5, 2011 11:29 AM EST up reply actions
oh, sorry........thought we were talking about Turner......
……yes, I do think Mularkey was trying.
The past few weeks (since the Saints game) its clear to me that MM is grasping for a new formula and new way to go about the offense.
Whereas its scary to be doing that in week 13, I think we HAVE to do it……..I think the coaches know, we’re not a playoff team with the MT 20+ touch per game offense……….that offense can beat Carolina – but not NO (consistently) not SF, and certainly not GB.
I see MM trying to become more varied, trying to stretch the field, trying to be less predictable……..we’re making mistakes in the midst of it……but if we can work on this now and still make the playoffs, we’ll be better for it, I promise.
by AuxiliaryHusky on Dec 5, 2011 1:54 PM EST up reply actions
I disagree
that you can’t beat GB by running the ball, that’s probably the ONLY way to do it bc you keep Aaron Rodgers OFF the field. Only thing is we seem to can’t run the ball against a 3-4 defense regardless of WHO it is.
*In Matt I Trust*
http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/9455/grimessig.jpg
I so don't want to get into this converation
but I just can’t resist. TEN and MIN has very pourous D’s. TEN’s passing D DVOA is 20th and MIN is 31st against the pass. In BOTH game ATL struggled to score point in the second half. How is that being varied and trying new things? Nothing, nothing, NOTHING worked against HST not did MM try anything new.
I find it interesting how you are blasting Turner in this very thread but stick by MM when there is nothing to show MM’s changes or improvements. The problem with MT IS MM.
Yes...
becuase week 13 is where you wanna be “trying to figure shit out”!!
Look, at this point the man isn’t going to change (and he has pretty much stated that)…so time to change him, period!!
"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
"We now have exactly the same situation as we had at the start of the race, only exactly the opposite" - Murray Walker, Sportscaster
I agree...
Were constantly staring 3rd down in the face…sux
by Bigru3 on Dec 5, 2011 3:18 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
we must lead the league in whiffed sacks
it seems like every time someone has a free run at the qb they are shocked that the qb actually moves out of the way. CRAZY…I know
stop with the Ryan got schooled by a rookie
yes Ryan had some terrible overthrows and he deserves his share of the blame for that. But he also had some beautiful throws, esp at the end of both halves. Also, Ryan doesn’t play against TJ Yates so just stop with that talk
by jmpecker on Dec 5, 2011 11:06 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
great point
many people think this way b/c rabble-rousers like Jeff Schultz at the AJC writes every column with a critical mindset and oversimplifications like the one you mentioned.
If anyone thinks that the Falcons could have won with TJ Yates yesterday, they deserve to be summarily exiled from ever being a Falcons fan.
Don’t even mention that TJ Yates was operating with the best OLine in the league and one of the stoutest run games against the 27th ranked Secondary in the league, while Ryan has some loose cobwebs for an OLine and was up against one of the top DEFs in the league.
It was a terrible/hellacious game
We played terribly.Mistakes, dropped passes, penalties you name it.Coaching sucked in a big way.None the less we played a top team who had a new qb.We did better than the loss to Chicago.Still we almost won it.So we go to Carolina next Sunday.Lets not get over confident.Lets go in and smash them.We still stand at the same spot as far as playoffs are concerned.Still shaking my head.
by JT131 on Dec 5, 2011 11:11 AM EST via mobile reply actions
after this game
I dont see how we could go into this game cocky. Could be a blessing in disguise to get our minds right. At least I hope
by jmpecker on Dec 5, 2011 11:24 AM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
I have to say I was standing there yelling Mo Pete
When he rumbled in for a pick six.
by JT131 on Dec 5, 2011 11:27 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
I was about to break my TV
Then Dunta did what he does and gives the game away
Def dont miss that ass fa***t
can we cuss here?
@THEREALALLENOU on twitter - "The man, the verb, the legend" OU'd
DR gave the game away?
That’s funny. How many passes did he drop? How many INT’s did he throw? How many deep passes did he overthrow? Did he misuse Snelling and Quizz yet again?
if he doesnt make that dumb penalty
I think you guys pull it out. took 6 off the board and was ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE FIELD
@THEREALALLENOU on twitter - "The man, the verb, the legend" OU'd
Yeah and if JJ had
caught the last pass, or if the coaches hadn’t run onto the field earlier, if, if, if….
DR did not cost ATL the game.
totally agree
I don’t even put much blame on the coaching. For the most part I feel they called a good game. This was much more of the players not performing. The only guy on offense who truly stepped up was Tg. We should’ve came in with a killer attitude but we didn’t. Our defense performed very well I thought
by ocfalcon on Dec 5, 2011 3:27 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Slow clapping...
with a sardonic, yet disgusted look on my face, cause this chit is true…sigh…
"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
"We now have exactly the same situation as we had at the start of the race, only exactly the opposite" - Murray Walker, Sportscaster
Svitek looked worse then Baker out there. Svitek is a nice replacement but we need to find a starter. Clabo had a pretty rough game also Houston rushed 4 and got more pressure then we did sending 5 or 6 guys
How do you know what Baker would have looked like
if he’d been in the game? I bet it would have been MUCH worse. There were also many downs where HST rushed more than four guys. MM does nothing to take the pressure off of Matt or the OL when playing teams with a good pass rush.
Svitek was poor, Clabo was poor, Hawley looked lost, even Blalock was getting blown up
Very, very bad performance by our line in both run and pass protection. It’s really just plain sad. Yes Smitty, you guys have a few things to work on. Maybe you and your “staff” will figure it out by January.
by aces666high on Dec 5, 2011 1:12 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Is there anyway
Us fans can send a message directly to the coaching staff, especially MM. I’ve (and so has everyone else) am sick and tired of this crap. Could of, should of, would of yesterday. Done with the excuses. Look at the Chargers as an example…
Evil Falcon
As a texans fan
Matt Ryan single handedly lost this game. He looked terrible!!!! Id like to think our D had something to do with it, but man he looked bad. reminded me of one landry jones on saturday.
good luck the rest of the way, and F*** the saints in their F***HOLE
also, big thanks to Dunta Robinson for proving he really is the scum of the earth
@THEREALALLENOU on twitter - "The man, the verb, the legend" OU'd
the DR play took a TD off the board
the recievers played shitty, but if you blame them, you must blame ryan as well. two overthorws at the beginning could have change the game
not trying to rile anyone up here, just adding my perspective from another point of view is all
@THEREALALLENOU on twitter - "The man, the verb, the legend" OU'd
That is some misplaced
anger you got there fellow. DR did not cost ATL the game. The WR’s dropped more passes the DR’s play. MR over threw more WR’s than DR’s one play.
He’s not on the Texans so let it go.
Why are you defending DR so much?
I have nothing against the guy but hes not anywhere near elite. He an avearge #2 Corner not a #1. Thats what he played at Houston, and they were awful at pass defense. He just isn’t as good as you think. Put him on another team, I doubt you will see much better.
Did I say he was elite?
No. Please don’t infer about what I think. My point(s) about DR are simple: most people on this board judge DB’s by picks and that is stupid; DR playes very well in man to man, has always played better in man to man and it’s the DC’s fault that he is stuck in zone. As soon as HST let him go their pass D dropped substantially.
My issues is that people point out DR as being the issue and I don’t agree. He was a better DB before going ATL and would be better after going another team. Does the name Chris Houston ring a bell? How many player have left ATL and become better players? Quite a few as of late.
Agree with Mwalex
Our D won’t make the jump until we start playing more Man coverage
by falcons101 on Dec 5, 2011 1:36 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
Yates didn not Beat US
nor did our defense. Yates was 12 for 25 for 188 yds. Our D played well overall. Stupid penalties and dropped passes are the problems and its been going on all season long.
by Falcons1133 on Dec 5, 2011 1:41 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
That comment I can almost agree with
except that Yates should have been under much more pressure than yesterday.
Remember before the season you and I wrote
10-6? Well that’s probably where they’ll end up. Add Harry Douglas to that list of guys who go elsewhere and he’ll probably light it up.
A word to the wise ain't necessary - it's the stupid ones that need the advice.
Was that when we were blasted
for being bad fans? I remember a thread where some of us got jumped on for being negative when we said ATL would be 10-6.
It's a weird universe where 10-6 is a bad thing
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by Dave Choate on Dec 6, 2011 2:59 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
i thnk
he’s a lot better than what he’s done here in ATL and it’s simply because of the scheme we put him in. He’s a WAY better corner in M2M coverage rather than zone, but being that we rarely play M2M in comparison to that of Zone it looks worse than it actually is.
*In Matt I Trust*
http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/9455/grimessig.jpg
by nj_falconfan on Dec 5, 2011 2:26 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Did Dunta do something?
I’m asking honestly did something happen that I missed? Some incident off the field or between plays?
I guess, a Texans fan...
…would not be so upset about that to call him “scum of the earth”. I guess every Texans fan is more or less happy about that penalty.
Mike Peterson caught a pic six
But Dunta was called for Defensive holding. He grabbed hold of Kevin Walters jersey while he was falling. But If you think about it, if he didn’t grab him Walters would have been WIDE open.
by falcons101 on Dec 5, 2011 1:23 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
Still was open
Walters wasn’t slowed by the hold.
True but the ball was gone by the time Dunta let go
by falcons101 on Dec 5, 2011 1:29 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
QB found his target probably during the hold
Either way the hold gave Atlanta no advantage, didn’t keep DR feet under him and didn’t slow the receiver.
not just DR
Spoon was flagged for a hold on the same play, but only 1 call is usually accepted.
Atlanta Falcons fan in Moscow, Russia
BS, our receivers lost us the Game
Ryans numbers would be a lot better if he had someone besides Gonzalez that could catch a ball consistently.
Point blank
We had a rough game for multiple reasons. First did you hear the crowd noise? It literally got so loud that I couldn’t hear the commentary can you imagine how much that threw our O off? Our Oline looked shook because they couldn’t hear the snap count that’s why we had several false starts. I saw someone say that we were “Horsing” around at the line of scrimmage NO that was Matt trying to make sure everyone was on the same page. It’s nearly impossible to have a productive offense with that much crowd noise. The only way is to Shut the crowd up and with how great the texans D played that’s damn near impossible. Look we should have won the game and we didn’t. Fuck the crying lets move on to Carolina get the W and then on to Jacksonville we lost oh well time to put up or shutup complaints get no where.
by falcons101 on Dec 5, 2011 1:19 PM EST via iPhone app reply actions
Loud now, Wait till Playoffs
if there is any for this team. Or wait till the next Saints game which is probably a must win now. Luckily we are still in the playoff race, and luckily GB beat NY so they still have a shot at a perfect season meaning they will probably show up for Detroit. But I’d really like to see one quality win this season besides Detroit, which seems more and more like paper tigers this year.
I never really cared about
“quality wins” in all seriousness this is the NFL the best of the best. man we are a good football team struggling to stay consistent. It’s to a point now where it does not matter how you win we just need to do it. We should win out I don’t care that we have NO in their house we need to win out. More than likely we will not have a home game In the playoffs but oh we’ll let’s go and fight hard, let’s finish out the regular season 4-0 probably facing Dallas or New orleans in round 1
by falcons101 on Dec 5, 2011 2:18 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
As a counter
the loss to HST is because ATL has few quality wins. “On any given Sunday” is true but that often to the same team, if that team is actually playoff caliber.
This team is really frustrating...
This team is really frustrating to continue cheering for. They give you hope by playing a really good game against a team like Detroit (when Detroit was still good) and then then get their butts kicked (by themselves) playing against a Texan’s team that is in all reality dead! I couldn’t stand to hear Foster talk after the game about how the Texans are a resilent team because they did not win that game! The Falcons lost this one. I am so tired of getting my heart ripped out by this team that I am tempted to quit watcing this team play for the rest of the year. Right now, I can’t even watch their games live because it is so frustrating. I’m really trying to be optimistic, but I don’t see us winning more than two more games this year. The way the Falcons are playing right now, they will probably lose to the Panthers (unless they truly wake up after this lost) and I see them getting the tar beat out of them by the Saints (see Saints/Colts game). I am also worried about the Bucs since we played really bad against them before. I hope the Falcons go 10-6, but realistically they will probably go 9-7 or even 8-8. The only good thing about that is that Arthur Blank will probably force Smith to shuffle up his coordinators and hopefully we will finally giet rid of MM and BVG. What are your thoughts? Are you all feeling as down about this team who not too long ago had high expectations?
I haven't seen this mentioned...
Julio did look like a lost rookie, but his most clueless play of the game was the one where he ran upfield on a deep route and failed to get back to the line of scrimmage in a timely fashion. FOX showed a shot of him about 30-35 yards down the field while the rest of the team was near or at the line to spike it and stop the clock. He was standing still. He didn’t realize the situation. He cost the team at least 8-10 seconds when they couldn’t afford it.
That’s the kind of crap, along with all the other stupid stuff the Falcons did yesterday, that costs you football games.
Here's your difference.
Last year’s #Falcons would have caught that last second TD pass. This year’s didn’t. There’s your difference, right there.
Same could be said for the Tampa Bay game.
Last year's falcons
wouldn’t have taken 2 defensive touchdowns from themselves. Last year’s Roddy White wouldn’t drop every other pass either.
by Falconzfan284 on Dec 5, 2011 2:35 PM EST up reply actions
These games don't come down to one or two plays
We’d like to think so but they don’t. Games like TB and TEX in hindsight you could look at both and after the first quarter you could see it coming.
A word to the wise ain't necessary - it's the stupid ones that need the advice.
Well said
hanging the game on one play is nothing but a kind of denial. ATL had mulitple chances to score and stop HST yesterday and the didn’t take advantage of the opportunities. The reality is that ATL has some MAJOR issues right now, from top to bottom, and changes need to be made. I’d rather dump MM and BVG right now, screw the possibility of the playoffs and start getting ready for next season.
I'm shocked.
Shocked that the Falcons lost to TJ Yates. But hey, there’s always next year. Someone should tell Mike Smith that the Falcons work better as a run-first offense, but I don’t think he will ever listen to anyone.
This is the difference between Saints and Falcons fans
We’re not obsessed about everything New Orleans. If you win you win, lose..and you lose. When the Saints are on Nat’l TV we’re not crowded around a bowl of chicken feet, cow’s ears and burning a black candle praying to Satan. We follow our team. Your team so great? Post to those like minded.
A word to the wise ain't necessary - it's the stupid ones that need the advice.
Wow, bitter much?
Based on your post, I would say that the difference is that y’all are bitter and we are nice and polite. Also, based on the way Falcons fans behave on Saints blogs, this is CLEARLY evident.
by SaintsRule2011 on Dec 5, 2011 6:20 PM EST up reply actions
Don't worry, when you travel to Lambeau in January
We’ll be saying the same thing. Always next year.
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by Caleb Rutherford on Dec 5, 2011 3:01 PM EST up reply actions
That's probably true.
The Saints are awful in cold weather and also away from home. My only hope is that a miracle occurs and someone knocks off the Packers in the Divisional round.
One can pray, right?
by SaintsRule2011 on Dec 5, 2011 6:21 PM EST up reply actions
You are probably a good fan
which is a rarity for the Taints trash that usually trolls our board, but as a heads up this is an emotional board right now.
Stop the panic
A word to the wise ain't necessary - it's the stupid ones that need the advice.
Only good thing I see coming out of this
would be new coordinators. We have good players, now let’s see what someone else can do with them.
Follow me on Twitter! twitter.com/FalcoholicZippo
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by Caleb Rutherford on Dec 5, 2011 3:08 PM EST reply actions
something is telling me
that unless we completely fold at the end of the season (or the great MM gets a headcoaching job elsewhere) we will see no changes and hear the same mantra – that this is part of the process and they’re working on it.
Atlanta Falcons fan in Moscow, Russia
Don't count on it
The impression I get from the Comrade is that anything short of a spot in the NFC Championship game will result in severed heads and coordinators set aflame.
Zero chance
Some good coordinators out there. Offense: Turner, McDaniel, maybe Mornhinweg. Defensively Tucker (Jags) Spags (Rams) maybe Fewell.
But there were good coordinators there when Smith picked BVG & MM. Falcons have the players. Our coordinators in four winning (?) seasons have had one total interview for a HC position and that was last season.
A word to the wise ain't necessary - it's the stupid ones that need the advice.
Exactly FrozenFinger
Ive posted that same sentiment a few times. We were coming off a 13-3 season. Our coaching staff should have been decimated. Instead MM gets beaten out by a re tread John Fox in Denver after his token interview, Musgrave goes…and that’s it. Period. Other teams know exactly what we have, a nice rehab crew. But if u want the next level, better hire some finishers(pun intended).
I hate Dunta for his stupid pay me rick on the shoes stunt
he IS better in man, but not that much better. isnt a SOLID #2, but IMO would be a great nickel with grimes and someone else.
ryan looked terrible, getting out played by a 5th round rookie in his first start. not good.
and while you MASSIVELY overpaid for julio, the guy should make that catch
@THEREALALLENOU on twitter - "The man, the verb, the legend" OU'd
Praise Lofton?
Maybe, but take a close look at the Texans’ five yard TD pass to Joel Dreesen.
As Dreesen comes off the line right at Lofton, what does Lofton do? He takes a step back in the end zone allowing Dreesen to reach the goal line after making the catch. What the hell is the middle linebacker doing not defending the goal line? Backing up *&%! Give me a break!
To give up 160 yards rushing and be dominated in time of possession by a team led by a third string rookie quarterback whose main receiving threat was absent in the fourth quarter is inexcusable!
How badly would the Falcons have lost if Shaub and Mario Williams had played and Andre Johnson were a hundred percent?
I hate to say it, but the Panthers’ chances this week are looking better and better.
As much as seeing the Falcons lose yesterday's game sucked
They are still good for a playoff spot. If the playoffs ended today they would be the 6th seed. The next 4 games are
@Panthers
Jaguars
@’Aints
Bucs
I can without a doubt see the Falcons win Against the Panthers, Jags, and Bucs. The NO game will most likely be a shootout with ’Aints getting the slight edge. I think the Falcons will definitely be in the playoffs this year. Hopefully they can play better by then.
by !AtlFalcons-fan! on Dec 5, 2011 4:22 PM EST reply actions
We could lose...
one more game and be out of it. The Bears only need keep pace with us as they hold the tie-breaker and if we do drop one more and one of the othe wildcard contenders wins out the remainder…we’re done!!
Just saying…
"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
"We now have exactly the same situation as we had at the start of the race, only exactly the opposite" - Murray Walker, Sportscaster
Seriously you guys are so negative.
Jesus Christ. It’s not like we are 2-10 or some kind of pathetic record. Falcons are 7-5 in the thick of the Wildcard race. They currently are the 6th seed in the Wildcard. I just can’t see the Falcons not making the playoffs
by !AtlFalcons-fan! on Dec 5, 2011 4:50 PM EST up reply actions
Your confusing...
realism with negativity.
Am I cynical…yes!! But generally I stay positive. There is a reality to this situation that (I feel) cannot be overlooked. We have serious issues on the coaching staff and no matter how you twist and spin it these facts won’t change.
I WANT the Falcons in the playoffs but if that means that as a result of that the FO thinks the coaching staff is fine and does nothing then I am NOT ok with this. This young pool of talent will one day be “not so young” and when you put the pieces of a talented team together the window for that group to bring home the prize trophy is not very big…everything is a cycle. I personally don’t want to talk of the Falcons of the early teens in the aspect of “could have, would have or should have”; I would rather say they “decimated, destroyed and conquered all”
IDK, you tell me what you see when you look at this team’s roster and you then watch what happens every Sunday this season. Please, give me a reason to agree with you that I AM just negative and that my analysis of the situation is “off base”…because I don’t think it is!!
"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
"We now have exactly the same situation as we had at the start of the race, only exactly the opposite" - Murray Walker, Sportscaster
How can you see this "without a doubt"?
Panthers are no gimmee and Jags have a tough defense and the Bucs have already defeated Atlanta.
A word to the wise ain't necessary - it's the stupid ones that need the advice.
I am not saying we will win @ NO
But you can’t tell me we don’t have a better team than the Panthers? Even if it’s a road game. Also the I can’t see the Jags or Bucs beating the Falcons at the Dome. Once again we are a much better team than the Jags. The Bucs beat us once, however they have had a major collapse and I doubt they will strike again twice in the Dome where the Falcons are king.
by !AtlFalcons-fan! on Dec 5, 2011 4:42 PM EST up reply actions
WTF
So this guy says in his post that he is pretty much giving the Falcons defense props for holding the Texans to 17 points and almost tying the game at the end…LOL The Texans won with their 3rd string QB who is a rookie, and only completed 12 passes.lol This writer must have been smokin when he wrote that part,
whats
the need to throw the ball when you have a RB duo such as who the Texans had?
*In Matt I Trust*
http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/9455/grimessig.jpg
MM
It’s the coaching it has to be, the niners are 9-2 or what ever because they made a great coaching change, while we have a good HC and position coaches but our OC n DC are stuck in 2001. Ill give MM some credit his ideas formations are creative but his whole prespective on the game is way to old school, your team is a reflection of your coaching. I dont understand why bvg does not want to send heat on a rookie qb, and yes a killer instic would be nice, instead of going to prevent in the third why not the 4th when we have a 30-10 lead. Overall not that mad about the loss texans are good our mistakes are fixable if anything replacing mm and bvg and our team next year WILL be special
Don't you guys see it?
The same thing that happened to the Braves is primed to happen to the falcons
The Saints are the Phillies…or is it the Packers?
So the Falcons are in good shape to make one of the wild cards, no question about it just by the way the rest of the season looks.
But something could go wrong and they could lose a few games and find themselves out of it.
It’s impossible to see now, but that’s the way it was for the Braves.
Still have yet to have back to back postseason appearances.
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