Wednesday Falcons Injury Report: Knees, Ankles And Concussions

by Dave Choate on Sep 14, 2011 4:33 PM EDT in Falcons News

The Atlanta Falcons injury report for today has only five names on it. Unfortunately for the Falcons, most of them are pretty important names.

The preliminary injury report has Jonathan Babineaux already declared out, which makes sense given that they previously announced that the stud defensive tackle would miss three-to-five weeks. He's the lone player who is absolutely guaranteed to miss the game.

In addition, the Falcons could be without Ovie Mughelli (knee), Chris Owens (ankle), Todd McClure (also knee), and Harry Douglas (concussion, which he quietly suffered in the Bears game). If Mughelli doesn't play, Jason Snelling will assume fullback duties. If Chris Owens doesn't play, Dominique Franks or Kelvin Hayden are candidates to take his place at the nickel. If McClure doesn't play, Joe Hawley will draw a second straight start. And if Harry Douglas doesn't play, the Falcons are down a dangerous passing game weapon and will likely turn to a combination of Kerry Meier and Eric Weems to fill in.

None of those would be ideal, so let's hope all these guys can play. Though it would not surprise me to see some of you disagree with Owens missing a game as a bad thing.

The good news? Corey Peters practiced Wednesday and is working his way back for the game. Without Babs, the team will definitely need his talents in the middle. He and Peria Jerry are virtual locks to draw the starters, assuming CP doesn't have any setbacks.

Thoughts on the injury report?

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Comments

Peters and Jerry could be an interesting look

We have not seen them play together, and losing Babas is not a good thing. I do have a question, who could be our slot player? Meier?

by svene on Sep 14, 2011 4:45 PM EDT reply actions

They played together last season.

by mwalex on Sep 14, 2011 5:49 PM EDT up reply actions

I pretty much

agree And yes I’d like to see Franks or Hayden in the game, losing confidence in Owens very fast. We need to punish the Eagles and send a statement.

I know I’m dreaming but it sure would be nice if it happens.

by BigFalcon84 on Sep 14, 2011 4:46 PM EDT reply actions

I do Hope OWENS is OUT

No idea what the coaching staff sees in him. I hope Hayden is good enough to replace him.

I’m sick of watching Owens guard his own shadow.

by Falcons1133 on Sep 14, 2011 4:51 PM EDT reply actions

Exactamundo!

Rule #1: Double tap.

by Ball Hawk on Sep 14, 2011 4:57 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

HEAR HEAR

by Rod E Wil on Sep 14, 2011 5:18 PM EDT up reply actions

PLEASE SIT OWENS!

He cant beat on his girl, but not a wideout…sheesh

The Only Thing To Fear Is, Fear Its Self.......

by Dirtybyrdatl4life on Sep 14, 2011 5:20 PM EDT up reply actions

He CAN

is what I meant

The Only Thing To Fear Is, Fear Its Self.......

by Dirtybyrdatl4life on Sep 14, 2011 5:22 PM EDT up reply actions

Agreed!

by DSGB34 on Sep 14, 2011 7:48 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

owens

please let owens be out. please

by falconfanatic13 on Sep 14, 2011 11:29 PM EDT up reply actions

Harry Douglas

:,( not like MM was gonna use him anyways.

by dirtybirds233 on Sep 14, 2011 4:55 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

I hate MM.

I didn’t used to but as of late he the devil.

Rule #1: Double tap.

by Ball Hawk on Sep 14, 2011 4:59 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

This whole injury report...

makes me uncomfortable.

by Jeanna Thomas on Sep 14, 2011 5:04 PM EDT reply actions

^this

by YokoFalcon on Sep 14, 2011 7:10 PM EDT up reply actions

Jonathan Babineaux...

massively huge loss.

Todd McClure, big loss but will be back soon (would like to have for this game but why rush it if we don’t need to).

Ovie Mughelli, big loss due to Todd McClure out…we needed him for additional OL blocking and he is better than Snell at this. I will say having Snell though softens this one (hopefully) game blow a little.

Harry Douglas, big loss as we need the aerial attack to commence but that Philly secondary might push us to more running…who knows?

Chris Owens, this one I am not really caring about. Whoever replaces him can’t do any worse!!

Just my thoughts on it and if we get Corey Peters back that would be HUGE!!

April 1974 - Tug McGraw, when asked if he preferred grass or AstroTurf: "I don't know. I never smoked AstroTurf."

by Blood_Talon on Sep 14, 2011 5:05 PM EDT reply actions

btw, last season

they said the same thing about the matchup of our offense and eagles defense – that they have good secondary and force us to run on them. and they also said Philly has pathetic run defense. well, I don’t remember the details, but they pretty much shut down our running game too.

Atlanta Falcons fan in Moscow, Russia

by Gemini-RU on Sep 14, 2011 5:08 PM EDT up reply actions

stephen jackson

was gonna run all over them, but then he got hurt. their defense is a lot diff this year. all pass rushers and no run stoppers. also very young, not so big linebackers = lots of turner.

by crebagger on Sep 14, 2011 5:14 PM EDT up reply actions

All true...

April 1974 - Tug McGraw, when asked if he preferred grass or AstroTurf: "I don't know. I never smoked AstroTurf."

by Blood_Talon on Sep 14, 2011 5:15 PM EDT up reply actions

Yes, I know...and thank you for reminding me...lol

April 1974 - Tug McGraw, when asked if he preferred grass or AstroTurf: "I don't know. I never smoked AstroTurf."

by Blood_Talon on Sep 14, 2011 5:15 PM EDT up reply actions

losing HD and, to a slightly degree, Ovie

would be more devastating than missing our defenders. not that we showed any explosiveness on offense in week 1, but losing these players would make our Offense even more predictable. I have a feeling we’ll have to score a lot of points to keep up with Philly

Atlanta Falcons fan in Moscow, Russia

by Gemini-RU on Sep 14, 2011 5:06 PM EDT reply actions

I called Harrys concussion

I saw the play, told my girlfriend…can’t believe he actually had one

by Mattyice318 on Sep 14, 2011 5:20 PM EDT reply actions

I called it, too...

But I called one for Matt Ryan, too, and thankfully I was apparently wrong about that!!

by Jeanna Thomas on Sep 14, 2011 9:03 PM EDT via iPhone app up reply actions

So

Pretty much people say nothing about Mularkey when we win, and crush him when we lose – am I missing anything?

Lol, just look at the Kid’s avg, Slick. - Chief Noc-A-Homa
Follow me on Twitter: @hashtagbaseball

by lingsched on Sep 14, 2011 5:25 PM EDT reply actions

No...

he gets crushed when we win as well…just not as badly. I think people we just expecting, well….more from this years offense. still hoping we get it from this point forward.

April 1974 - Tug McGraw, when asked if he preferred grass or AstroTurf: "I don't know. I never smoked AstroTurf."

by Blood_Talon on Sep 14, 2011 5:29 PM EDT up reply actions

Yep, you missed something

Mehlarkey is drilled regardless of the outcome of the game, just worse with the pathetic offensive showing over the past six games.

Expectations are high for the O this season and that makes the bashing worse.

by mwalex on Sep 14, 2011 5:52 PM EDT up reply actions

Mike?

You should be trying out new plays and developing our offense rather than cruising the Internet.

Rule #1: Double tap.

by Ball Hawk on Sep 14, 2011 7:40 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions 1 recs

I think

No new wait time fir hayden and sanders we brought them in let them go to work forget about franks and Owens for now we almost know these guys will definitely contribute I say play them 3 weeks is enough time to get situated

by falcons101 on Sep 14, 2011 5:25 PM EDT via iPhone app reply actions

We need to attack them with Turner!

TNT should've treated Lebron's return to Cleveland game like 2k11 and cut the game off after the Cavs were down by 30. lol

by Krobify on Sep 14, 2011 5:31 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

10 car, 100 yards

beat that average!

Brad James

Follow me on Twitter

With Coach Zorro on our side, we will slice opponents to ribbons. Tim Tebow gives me hope and I already have faith and charity in my heart! I see a propitious future rife with Lombardis for our Broncos!

by the new Bradfather on Sep 14, 2011 5:37 PM EDT up reply actions

Man...all signs point to us being screwed this week.

I'm on the Twitter: twitter.com/edgrohl

by Duff_Man on Sep 14, 2011 5:35 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

And I'm gonna be around

1,000 green AND red Vick jerseys watching it happen:((( it’s amazing the confidence loss we’ve had from one game….

by dirtybirds233 on Sep 14, 2011 5:41 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

I disagree...

but I do understand where that is coming from and why you would say it. Hell, I did say it on Sunday after the loss but have calmed down since then.

I remain cautiously optimistic…

April 1974 - Tug McGraw, when asked if he preferred grass or AstroTurf: "I don't know. I never smoked AstroTurf."

by Blood_Talon on Sep 14, 2011 5:41 PM EDT up reply actions

I don't know why

But I just can’t get over last week, especially knowing our ability. It has been just one game, for all we know we might blow out the eagles, one game doesn’t decide anything, I’m just having a hard time with it.

by dirtybirds233 on Sep 14, 2011 5:44 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

It's still tough for me to swallow as well.

TNT should've treated Lebron's return to Cleveland game like 2k11 and cut the game off after the Cavs were down by 30. lol

by Krobify on Sep 14, 2011 6:00 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

They do. They really do.

by LuvGems on Sep 14, 2011 6:08 PM EDT up reply actions

Hopefully

Mughelli is healthy because Snelling’s true talent lies as a tailback, he’s well worth the investment. It sucks about Babineaux. I know the Falcons are much better than they showed against the Bears. DeCoud was surprised that Cutler threw him such perfect passes on those two occasions, so he dropped them. Once he plays a better quarterback in the Philly game, he’ll be more prepared.

Brad James

Follow me on Twitter

by the new Bradfather on Sep 14, 2011 5:37 PM EDT reply actions

I would be willing to bet...

any of you that we will have the same secondary issues no matter who we plug in instead of Owens. You know why? Because it’s the PLAYCALLING, the SCHEME, not Chris Owens. He played his zone position pretty well on Sunday and only gave up a 10yd quick pass to the TE.

Now Dunta, that’s a different story. You would think he was playing barefoot the way he’s slipping and sliding all over the place. This is our 10 million dollar CB we are talking about, and he is one of the weak links. Give half his contract to Grimey and start Hayden.

by FalconsFansincePrimetime on Sep 14, 2011 5:56 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

DR is a weak link because of one game?

So I guess Ryan should give back part of his salary based on the CHI game also, is that right? His stats, decision making and performance were just as bad as DR’s. You guys groussing about DR are funny.

by mwalex on Sep 14, 2011 6:03 PM EDT up reply actions

Oh yeah, and why is the scheme the issue

with Owens but not DR? DR’s best year(s) were when Houston was playing bump and run.

by mwalex on Sep 14, 2011 6:06 PM EDT up reply actions

It very well could be

A scheme issue with DR. I agree. But scheme doesn’t cause you to slip and trip so often. He gets burned plain and simple. Grimey defends better than him point blank. DR (and all of the DB’s) would have more more success in bump and run. Soft zone is for the birds.

And it’s not just one game for DR, he was not impressive last year either. We chalked it up to him being in his first year in the system, but maybe it’s deeper.

And I’m not saying he should forfeit or restructure. That’s not right. Instead, cut him after this season if he doesn’t get going. Believe me, they will consider trading or cuttin if he does not. Mark my words. He should be shut down, but has hardly been that.

by FalconsFansincePrimetime on Sep 14, 2011 7:22 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

*cutting

Excuse the typo

by FalconsFansincePrimetime on Sep 14, 2011 7:23 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Soft zone is for the birds....

Aren’t falcons birds?… jus sayin

by birdwatch on Sep 14, 2011 7:40 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Lol...

I thought about that after I typed it. But you know what I mean. It’s obvious it’s not for us.

by FalconsFansincePrimetime on Sep 14, 2011 7:42 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Exactly....

“Soft zone is for the birds.”

by VA Dirty Bird on Sep 14, 2011 10:08 PM EDT up reply actions

Not impressive last year?

Do you have any idea whatsoever of DR’s impact on the pass defense last year? Not at all based on your comments. For 2009 ATL was ranked around 27th for passes allowed of 20+ yards. In 2010 they were between 4th and 6th. Do you know what was the one single change made in the pass defense between 2009 and 2010? The addition of DR. ATL had the same anemic pass rush for 2010 as 2009. Yeah, he sucks and should be cut at the end of the season. Hell, why wait that long?

by mwalex on Sep 15, 2011 12:12 AM EDT up reply actions

Let me ask you this

Is he worth 10mil plus per year?

by FalconsFansincePrimetime on Sep 15, 2011 1:03 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Also

If Dunta isn’t satisfied with his level of play…how are you?

by FalconsFansincePrimetime on Sep 15, 2011 1:10 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions

I'm not the one complaining

with one bad game, you are. I grasp the fact that he played ONE preseason game and has to get back up to speed. I also grasp the fact that he had a HUGE impact on the pass defense last season and will again this season.

I don’t think any football player is worth 10MM a year. He was the best option available last season and based on his impact last season I’m good with it. Part of being a fan is having REALISTIC expectations and that is something sorely lacking on this board since Sunday.

There is a big difference in not being satisfied with his play and the nonsense that has been stated in the posts since the CHI game.

by mwalex on Sep 15, 2011 1:30 AM EDT up reply actions

Oh, also

The defense ranked 22nd against the pass last year according to DOL. Is that considered a HUGE impact? Not to me.

Listen, all I’m saying is that he is getting paid like a shut down corner, but he’s not shutting down. Why? We dont know. Scheme, injury, minimal playing time? I hope you can agree with me when I say, if he does not get it together this season and start playing like a star, we may need to make a move with him.

And please dont talk to me about being a realistic fan. That’s exactly what I am. No bias toward anyone or anything. I am being realistic when I say Philly will cover their 2.5 favorite spread on Sunday.

by FalconsFansincePrimetime on Sep 15, 2011 1:45 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions

The problem is that you're looking at

DOL which is crap data and low information. ATL’s passing DVOA last year was 5% which was 10th in the league. Look at better information and you might see that your perception does not match reality.

Do you understand how much improved the pass defense was last year for long passes allowed compared to 2009? If you did then your opinion should be different.

Part of being a realistic fan is a better understanding how the team is ACTUALLY doing, not making comments on a perception that does not match reality.

by mwalex on Sep 15, 2011 10:07 AM EDT up reply actions

big DVOA improvement in Pass D

Yes, they went from +25.1% (27th) to 5.0% (10th). A good chunk of that is the high Interception total in 2010 (and we know that didn’t come from Dunta… joking! only joking). In 2009, they had 15 INT’s, tied for 16th in the league. In 2010, they had 22 INT’s. Doesn’t seem like a huge difference, but it pushed them up to 4th in the NFL. I’m guessing without those extra interceptions (total speculation by me, though) the team’s Pass Defense DVOA would be more in line with the other numbers (like the 15th in NY/A). Still an improvement, just not quite as impressive as the rankings alone suggest.

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

by orang3b on Sep 15, 2011 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions

Cmon, mwalex...

You’re using that one stat (20+ yard passes allowed) to over-state Dunta’s impact. I don’t think he was that impressive last year… I certainly don’t think he should be cut though. Here’s a more complete look at the pass defense (stats compiled from NFL.com, Football Outsiders, and Pro Football Reference):

2009
3,871 Pass Yards Allowed (28th); 6.9 Net Yards per Attempt allowed (tied for 25th); 55 20+ Yards Pass Plays (27th); 28 Sacks (tied for 26th); 5.6% Adjusted Sack Rate (26th)

2010
3,625 Pass Yards Allowed (22nd); 6.1 NY/A (15th-tie); 38 20+ Yd Plays (4th-tie); 31 Sacks (20th-tie); 5.8% ASR (22nd-tie)

Small improvement across the board. The one exception being the 20+ Yard plays allowed, which went from 6th worst to tied for 4th best. So they weren’t giving up the huge plays as often… but they were still giving up gobs of shorter completions. I feel like the most important number is the NY/A, which went from bad to just “average”.

But the other problem with your position is that you are giving Dunta ALL the credit for this improvement (“the one single change”). There were actually several new starters on defense in 2010:

1) William Moore started 15 games at SS (‘09 was Erik Coleman).
2) Kroy Biermann started over Jamaal Anderson (both were there both seasons, but Biermann was taking more snaps in 2010).
3) Corey Peters started 15 games at DT in 2010 (’09 was mostly Thomas Johnson – 10 starts – because of Peria Jerry’s injury in Wk 2).
4) Spoon started several games in 2010 (it still ended up being Nicholas with the majority of starts, though).
5) Most importantly, it wasn’t just Dunta stepping in for Chris Houston… it was 15 starts from Dunta at RCB and 16 starts from Grimes at LCB (in 2010) instead of the awful mess from the year before – 10 starts from Houston, 8 starts from Grimes, 6 starts from Chris Owens, and 5 starts from Brian Williams. Williams and Houston ended up on IR in ’09, and Grimes went from coaches yanking him in and out of the line-up to playing at a Pro Bowl level.

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

by orang3b on Sep 15, 2011 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions

Dunta was not the only reason.

I agree that its hard to pin the whole improvement on Dunta. However Grimes and Moore needed to make those interceptions because they were giving big chunks of yardage and also had a 3rd down conversion rate of 60% worse than the Line Backers.

It's all about Process...

by Vishnu_falcon on Sep 15, 2011 11:34 AM EDT up reply actions

Football Outsiders liked Grimes more than your numbers indicate, though

(not sure where the discrepency is, but…)

Their game charters have Grimes allowing 4.9 “Adjusted” Yards/Pass (#3 in the league; you have 6.01 YPA). They don’t have strictly 3rd Down conversions, but they have his Success Rate at 60% (11th in the league; similar to your Stop Percentage, just 45/60/100 % of yardage needed on 1st/2nd/3rd downs).

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

by orang3b on Sep 15, 2011 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions

Stop rate!

My stop rate was for 3rd downs only when a player made a stop. QB throwing away in direction of CB doesn’t count as a stop. The easiest thing if you watch the games from last year, BG was nicely carved up by BAL,GB,NO giving up lot of first downs and yardage. I am not sure if the YPA takes interception and yards lost because of a turnover in to account.

It's all about Process...

by Vishnu_falcon on Sep 15, 2011 2:42 PM EDT up reply actions

What was the one comment made about the D at the end of 2009?

“We have to stop the explosive plays”. What change was made that effected that? It was not KB starting over JA98, it was not Peters, it was not Moore starting at safety nor was it Spoon (who was NO factor in pass coverage for 2010). Dunta was brought in to limit the deep completions and that is what happened.

Who allowed most of the deep plays in 2009? Houston. Who replaced Houston? DR.

Peters and KB on the line DID NOT improve the pass rush from 2009 to 2010. The point about Moore is a good one but there is little impact from the others.

by mwalex on Sep 15, 2011 12:14 PM EDT up reply actions

I still think the biggest difference was on the other side of the field

Grimes (2010) >>>> Grimes + Brian Williams + ohgodiforgotaboutTyeHill (2009)
Dunta (2010) > Houston + Owens (2009)

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

by orang3b on Sep 15, 2011 12:41 PM EDT up reply actions

I can see the point

and my frustration is coming from the comments about DR after one game. I guess the bashers would be happier with Houston or Owens in his place.

by mwalex on Sep 15, 2011 1:46 PM EDT up reply actions

yeah

He’s not worth $10M/year (it’s actually $8.5M in 2011) =/= he’s worthless & we should cut him

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

by orang3b on Sep 15, 2011 2:01 PM EDT up reply actions

Not sure about 10 M $

But he made quite a few 3rd down stops and on the other side Grimes was giving tons of 3rd downs. Dunta also had couple of bad games where he gave up most of his 3rd down conversions but Grimes was consistently picked up. Also Decoud was behind Grimes 85% of the plays enabling him to jump the routes. Dunta was man to man quite a bit.

It's all about Process...

by Vishnu_falcon on Sep 15, 2011 2:46 PM EDT up reply actions

Houston or Owens did not make 10M/year

Dunta is a good cornerback. However, he has not lived up to his contract as of yet. Hopefully he will.

IMO, Grimes is the difference in the improvement in the passing defense. Pay the kid..he’s a baller. Hopefully he will be a Falcon for years to come…

by FalconsFansincePrimetime on Sep 15, 2011 2:49 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

No they didn't

but for the price had you rather have Houston or Owens at DB instead of DR? This is not a value proposition. It’s about who makes the D better.

Grimes contributed but he was NOT the sole difference maker in the pass D last year.

by mwalex on Sep 15, 2011 4:44 PM EDT up reply actions

Grimes was not the sole difference maker...

But Dunta sure as hell was not either. And with that being said, I’m done going back and forth with you on this. The fact of the matter is, we both have our own opinions so we have to agree to disagree. I’m sure we will be posting again on Sunday night after the game confirms that DR is not playing up to his contract.

by FalconsFansincePrimetime on Sep 15, 2011 5:21 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

What ever you say

there buddy. Nice way to get the last word and run, real brave of you.

by mwalex on Sep 15, 2011 5:48 PM EDT up reply actions

I just hope...

…that they’re not rushing back Corey Peters. The last thing we need is to turn his minor problem into a major one. If they’re worried about depth at DT, and it seems like they should be right about now, why not pick up the phone to Trey Lewis? He knows the system and could play a role in rotating the other big guys so they don’t get gassed.
I’m with the “so what” crowd on Owens not playing. I think it gives us a chance to see what we’ve got in Franks or Hayden or, heck, even Walls. How much worse could they be?
Losing Ovie would be a blow. Happy to go with Hawley another week – you’d have to think this new O-line will work together a little better second game in. Well, you’d have to hope. Oh, and I’d like to see Meier into the action. Doesn’t have HD’s speed, but he won’t drop much and will help move the chains.

by dom on Sep 14, 2011 7:44 PM EDT reply actions

Does anyone even know what peters injury is?

Rule #1: Double tap.

by Ball Hawk on Sep 14, 2011 9:25 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

Why couldn't we be playing Seattle this week.

by LuvGems on Sep 14, 2011 9:26 PM EDT reply actions

I'm too depressed to write about this...

Has anyone else noticed we still seem to have up-then-down-then-up years? I still think we can win 11 games after the Philly game if we stay healthy, but this sure isn’t a good start, and I hate starting out with two losses to conference teams. Yes, I’m pretty much writing off the Philly game. They’ve OWNED us, and I haven’t seen any improvement in our pass defense. It’s depressing…

by randomaxe on Sep 15, 2011 12:28 AM EDT reply actions

To early yet

ATL’s schedule is tougher this year that last. In my opinion 10 to 11 wins this year will be more impressive than the 13 wins last year. It should be about quality wins more so than total number of wins.

by mwalex on Sep 15, 2011 12:40 AM EDT up reply actions