The Atlanta Falcons Depth Chart For The Chicago Bears Game
by Dave Choate on Sep 7, 2011 1:00 PM EDT
in Falcons News
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PrintThe Atlanta Journal-Constitution has landed the Atlanta Falcons' depth chart against the Chicago Bears, so now we know who the starters are. You know, because we had no idea before.
It's still cool to see just how much talent the Falcons have lined up to take on a team that went to the NFC Championship Game just last season. When you can line up Matt Ryan, Michael Turner, Roddy White, Julio Jones and Tony Gonzalez on offense and bring John Abraham, Ray Edwards, Jonathan Babineaux, Curtis Lofton, Brent Grimes and others to bear on defense, you've done something right.
They'll take on a talented Bears team that is currently shooting itself in the foot by starting Roy Williams and Devin Hester over Johnny Knox and Earl Bennett, who are just better receivers at this point in their careers. Matt Forte is still a huge threat on the ground and Jay Cutler can toss five touchdowns as easily as five interceptions in any given game, so I'm thankful that the Falcons have upgraded the secondary.
The interesting points on the Falcons' end? Todd McClure is listed as a starter, despite having a 100% chance of missing the game. Kelvin Hayden is listed as the fifth cornerback. James Sanders is behind William Moore, the coverage yin to to C4's run-stopping yang. Will Svitek is the backup tackle for both Sam Baker and Tyson Clabo. And finally, Corey Peters is listed as the starter, which has to be taken as a good sign.
In short, this is a healthy, talented team. That may not be news, but it's still good to have our faith re-affirmed from time to time, especially leading up to the first game of the 2011 season.
Thoughts about the depth chart?
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Comments
Quizz
Is our 4th back? Was I wrong for thinking he had the 3rd spot locked up?
by FalconfanPhil on Sep 7, 2011 1:09 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
you will still see him on some 3rd downs
he’s learned enough of the blocking schemes and is a very liable threat
He took first team third down reps during preseason being listed at the bottom of the depth chart. RB depth chart means nothing with this coaching staff
That probably goes the same with secondary depth also
know what you believe in and why you believe in it
I say...
also look for screens when he is in the game either to help with blocking on some of the more speedy secondary defenders or actually running it himself. Just hope MM mixes it up enough to not become predictable…
April 1974 - Tug McGraw, when asked if he preferred grass or AstroTurf: "I don't know. I never smoked AstroTurf."
100% chance of being out?
So I take it McClure is questionable in Smitty’s world.
by aces666high on Sep 7, 2011 1:10 PM EDT reply actions 3 recs
Again I'll post: somebody just gave me a ticket to Eagles vs Falcons 11 rows back on the 50yrd line behind home team!
I cried, literally. Rec this sh!t
Rule #1: Double tap.
by Ball Hawk on Sep 7, 2011 1:16 PM EDT via mobile reply actions 12 recs
I'll rec it
I would have cried to
Hopefully we win that one…
I am going to be sitting by the visitor’s tunnel 6 rows back in Seattle for the week 4 massacre – but I tell you what, I would much rather see the Falcons shake up the “dream team”
Enjoy the game and take lots of pictures and assemble an awesome writeup so everyone can experience the atmosphere after the game
know what you believe in and why you believe in it
lucky dog you
wait, did you say 2 tix or one? Cuz if it’s 2, I can definitely make my way down to the Atl area on the 18th!! lol
Now Gentlemen, get your butts up, and get back on that horse! You have no choice. The expectations are running much higher this year.
Don't know iff...
I would have cried but probably would have been close!!
April 1974 - Tug McGraw, when asked if he preferred grass or AstroTurf: "I don't know. I never smoked AstroTurf."
*if
yeah, cause there has always been two “f’s” in “if”…I need a remedial spelling class…lol
April 1974 - Tug McGraw, when asked if he preferred grass or AstroTurf: "I don't know. I never smoked AstroTurf."
"Iff" is used as shorthand in math
to mean “If and only if”
The more you know! :D
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by Caleb Rutherford on Sep 7, 2011 6:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Hmmmmm...
learn something new every day…lol
April 1974 - Tug McGraw, when asked if he preferred grass or AstroTurf: "I don't know. I never smoked AstroTurf."
That's awesome.
I think I remember seeing (a few weeks ago) you comment that you were trying to get tickets for that game. You certainly can’t beat 11th row on the 50. Any lower than that, and the bench players would block the field. Perfect seats, and for free 99? Have fun, and please be extremely loud when we’re on D.
by grg on Sep 7, 2011 7:15 PM EDT up reply actions
So rec'd Hawk
At least I know one Falcon fan that will be yelling at the top of his lungs. Really worried about the percentage of eagles fans that are gonna show. Is it gonna be a 50/50 embarrassment like I expect? I sure hope u local Falcon fans prove me wrong.
I agree
I dont get these people. They act like he is going to be re-joining the team or something… I would shoot myself if that ever happened.
Life is a garden. Dig it!
by Hardcore Falcon on Sep 8, 2011 8:41 AM EDT up reply actions
This looks good
I would like depth behind TG but I think were ok.
"I'm about rings now"
~Arthur Blank
by CollegePark4Life on Sep 7, 2011 1:17 PM EDT reply actions
I REALLY want Todd McClure back in the lineup.
It would make me feel so much better.
Congratulation!!
"I'm about rings now"
~Arthur Blank
by CollegePark4Life on Sep 7, 2011 1:19 PM EDT reply actions
The way our kick and punt coverage has looked so far,
Please tell me we dont kick to Hester.
Rule #1: Double tap.
by Ball Hawk on Sep 7, 2011 1:52 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
I guarantee you all the kickoffs are going out of the back of the endzone
know what you believe in and why you believe in it
I hope so
Hester doesn’t need those extra 5 yards to return a kick anyway. It’s just not worth the risk. I’d rather take it at the 20.
Rule #1: Double tap.
by Ball Hawk on Sep 7, 2011 2:45 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
once again
remember Hester does not return kickoffs anymore, he hasnt for almost 2 years now. He only returns Punts. That is where he’s gonna be hell to deal with. Kickoffs I’m not worried about, even if they do decide to stick hester out there, cuz I’m pretty sure Bosher ’s gonna put them into the stands. lol
Now Gentlemen, get your butts up, and get back on that horse! You have no choice. The expectations are running much higher this year.
Actually
there’s been some talk this PS that he will again be returning kickoffs and punts.
Via Rotoworld:
Devin Hester is listed as the Bears’ No. 1 kickoff and punt returner heading into Week 1.
He’s also listed as the starting receiver opposite Roy Williams. The Bears must have forgotten the lesson they learned last season that fewer responsibilities means a more dangerous Hester. We fully expect his offensive snaps to be curtailed over the course of the season, and Johnny Knox will also see time on kickoffs. Earl Bennett is listed as No. 2 on punts.
Believe it or not...
Bosher actually did get a touch back in the Ravens game in week 4.
Before that game, I was really starting to doubt if he had the strength to get a touch back. But, I think mentallyMIA is correct. The coaches probably told him to kick it short so they could judge potential special team coverage guys. Bosher does have the strength to do it (at least in the Dome), so now it’s just a matter of how often he will do it.
by grg on Sep 7, 2011 7:22 PM EDT up reply actions
There's no probably about it
it’s been reported that the coaches told him that. There’s also been Training Camp and Practice observations that he was punting the ball 60 yards with ease. Not to mention that he had a recorded 63 yarder in a PS game. Add to that the Touchback you’re referring to went out the back of the endzone, and I’m not worried about this guy’s leg.
If there’s anything to worry about, it’s whether Bosher can translate his skill to in-game, which I’ll think he’ll be able to. If people want something to worry about with ST, look no further than the punt coverage unit.
exactly KM
I’m not worried about kickoffs, whether it’s Hester back there or even Deion. I think Bosher’s definitely been holding back, especially since he was instructed to do so. Kids got a powerful leg, I just don’t see how he COULDNT kick it out the back of the EZ. Now Punts, thats a different story alltogether, that scares me to death when we play against a superb PR like Hester. I’ll hold my breath until he gets tackled or God forbid, breaks free.
Now Gentlemen, get your butts up, and get back on that horse! You have no choice. The expectations are running much higher this year.
Man
I hope they really give Hayden some burn this is the best chance for him to get some in game practice against a poor pass offense so he can get comfortable
by falcons101 on Sep 7, 2011 2:02 PM EDT via iPhone app reply actions
in our scheme
It’s the best way for him to learn fast
by falcons101 on Sep 7, 2011 2:03 PM EDT via iPhone app up reply actions
again
we shouldn’t underestimate Bears pass offense. our CB tandem is great, but last season we weren’t very good against screen passes – and they have a great pass catcher in Forte…
speaking of our CB tandem, I came across this headline on ESPN – http://tinyurl.com/3ljoze8
Does anyone have access to Insider? they’re saying Grimes+Dunta is the best tandem in the league!
Atlanta Falcons fan in Moscow, Russia
by Gemini-RU on Sep 7, 2011 2:49 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Love it
Just miss Todd:( and too put fire in our hearts, yet another article has been released about how there is a mathematical equation proving we were the luckiest team in the league last year. The article is on ESPN and it talks about teams that “won’t live up to expectations”
by dirtybirds233 on Sep 7, 2011 2:11 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
So
Whats the hierarchy in terms of Corey Peters and Peria Jerry?
Peters > Jerry?
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
So far you correct.
Rule #1: Double tap.
by Ball Hawk on Sep 7, 2011 3:20 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Shouldn't matter w/ DT for us.
We rotate heavily and use our strengths to the situation we are in. Really, the only “true” starting DT is Babs. Even he rotates.
Totally agree Dave!!
Matt Forte is still a huge threat on the ground
But we are a huge force at stopping the run…should be fun to watch!! (only if we win though cause then it will be just “ok” to watch)
April 1974 - Tug McGraw, when asked if he preferred grass or AstroTurf: "I don't know. I never smoked AstroTurf."
JUst an FYI for everyone
The Falcons were ranked #1 in preseason with fewest yards rushing allowed per game. I think it was like 72 yards a game? Nobody rushed for a 100 on us at all, even with backups in. That has got to be a positive thing for sure.
Now Gentlemen, get your butts up, and get back on that horse! You have no choice. The expectations are running much higher this year.
And...this is true!! Good thing I was talking about the 2010 regular season...lol
April 1974 - Tug McGraw, when asked if he preferred grass or AstroTurf: "I don't know. I never smoked AstroTurf."
I'm excited for Hawley
I think he got blamed a lot for the horrible showing of the entire OLine against JAX, but I think there was some behind the scenes stuff we weren’t privy too going on. He performed solidly except for that night, and this is a good chance for him to get true experience. Furthermore, it will show whether he’s a long-term answer at the position he’ll be stepping into as soon as next year.
Just read through the comments on the ALC depth chart (yes, I know it's a bad idea)
but it made me realize…THANK GOD for The Falcoholic, where you can actually have a good discussion about the Falcons. Keep up the good work!
"Success comes from knowing that you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming." -John Wooden
by kacc56 on Sep 7, 2011 5:11 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Small Nit to pick
but as a scholar of Chinese religions I would recommend that C4 is yin (passive, certain, rock, let’s face it he’s a wall) while Sanders can be the yang (energetic and dynamic in pass coverage). That being said, of course, there is a little yin within every yang and vice versa.
by KMarch on Sep 7, 2011 5:12 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
For future reference, I will remember this
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You're a scholar of Chinese religions?
That’s pretty boss, not gonna lie.
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by Caleb Rutherford on Sep 7, 2011 6:47 PM EDT up reply actions
It's really more dorky than one would imagine
and generally useless in terms of survival. (fingers crossed that China takes over the world…)
Ah, so it's about as useful as my knowledge of the Norse myths
But still pretty damn cool nonetheless Kmarch.
Well, if that happens, let's hope Mao isn't running the show.
Rational Philosophy has it’s evils, too…
Yes, that is boss. I currently have a reprint of The Chinese Classics by James Legge.
Do you know of this? It’s an awesome account of the teachings of Mencius translated around 1860. I highly recommend it. If you’re already light years past this, do you know if there are any better quality editions other than the 2009? The quality looks like it was merely photocopied, so some of the text strains the eyes.
James Legge was the master
But I’m sorry to say that I don’t really keep up with the editions too much. I just use whatever the UF library has available or can get me. Beggars can’t be choosers in Gainesville, FL.
NO!
Did you just infer that you attend gator U?
Please say NO, Please say NO…
Now Gentlemen, get your butts up, and get back on that horse! You have no choice. The expectations are running much higher this year.
yep, I attend and teach here
I’m not a big fan of college sports though, so no love or hate either way.
Excited to see a healthy HD, Meier, Spoon, Turner, etc, etc.
That, and JJ and Quizz on offense. Can’t wait for the season to start
Morton hit Heyward with an offspeed pitch. Early indication is that the baseball survived the impact.
This team has talent and depth at nearly every position.
I’m so thankful for Blank, Dimitroff, and Smitty. They never fail to amaze me.
The only thing I can even nitpick about this team is the offensive line (and even then, the nitpicking is largely due to injury).
If our O-line can perform ~75% as well as it did last season, we are going to be a force to reckon with.
I don't know
Why you guys keep predicting us going 11-5 I look at the schedule and I see us going 12-4 or 13-3 our schedule actually is relatively easy once we get past the first 5 games and that’s with me saying we lose to the eagles and packers but in reality I think we can beat atleast one of them. I mean look at our schedule. This is what I think our record will look like> Bears-W. Eagles-L. Bucs-L Seahawks-W. Pack-L. Panthers-W. Lions-W. Colts-W Saints-W. Titans-W. Vikings-W. Texans-W. Panthers-W jaguars-W. Saints-L. Bucs-W i mean analyze each game most of the teams we play are going through some kind of trouble and we CAN beat everybody on the schedule from a matchup point of view….but yea y’all go head and tell me how I’m wrong…
by falcons101 on Sep 7, 2011 8:21 PM EDT via iPhone app reply actions 1 recs
In my opinion
I don’t see us losing our 1st 2 home games (that means we should beat the eagles or the packers) if we beat one of them I honestly not jokingly say we CAN go 13-3 or 14-2 notice I’m not saying we will I’m saying we certainly CAN
by falcons101 on Sep 7, 2011 8:22 PM EDT via iPhone app up reply actions
seriously
Think about it we can win every game on our schedule we won’t win ever single one but we definitely have the ability to beat each team talent wise I think the bucs will have a bad year so we CAN sweep them we WILL sweep the panthers and the saints we MIGHT split that would be only 1 loss out of the south and other than the packers eagles and bears and colts oh and seatle I don’t think no other team made the playoffs last year I don’t so with that said packers eagles bears will be good but we can beat each of them colts I think have a down year and thus lose to us seatle should be terrible so that should be a win I don’t know about you guys but 11-5 would be a bad year considering we can beat all those teams
by falcons101 on Sep 7, 2011 8:42 PM EDT via iPhone app up reply actions
You guys that are getting all worked up
about the season record are funny. I don’t care what the record is as long as ATL gets to the playoff and wins a game there. 10-6 or 14-2 and won’t matter if it’s another one-and-done.
by mwalex on Sep 7, 2011 11:31 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
agreed too
I dont care if we’re 9-7 even, as long as we make the playoffs AND win at least one game. I could see this happening, injuries, new players arent as good as we thought, etc. But to what f101 was saying. I don’t agree with ya about us going 13-3 or even 14-2. There’s too many tough games on the schedule this year. I think we start out 4-3, then win 4 in a row in the month of Nov, we enter the dec 26 games vs the Saints @ 10-4, we lose the game and the division. But we get a wildcard spot finishing at 11-5, and get to the NFCCG.
Anything less than this to me is a failed season. Anything better than this will be a pleasant suprise.
Now Gentlemen, get your butts up, and get back on that horse! You have no choice. The expectations are running much higher this year.
I love the optimism
I’m just seeing losses to the Saints, Bucs, Packers, Texans and Eagles. Can the Falcons beat every single one of those teams? Yes. Will they beat all of them? I just don’t see it happening.
So yeah, I’m predicting 11-5. But I also predict that this is the year the Falcons win their first playoff game under Smitty, and it could well be more than one. So I wouldn’t say I’m not high on this team’s potential.
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I can agree
With the packers eagles bucs saints but the texans? Although the have a good offense their defense isn’t great they do have good corners and a good pass rusher but other than that there aren’t any threats in my eyes. Now on offense they could hurt us but we are good against the run (Arian should only have 67 yards maybe 1 TD) Andre will definitely cause problems but if we roll coverage his way he should be limited (105 yards 1 TD) that’s only 14 points unless they have a breakout receiver ( throw 1 more TD in their) that gives them 21 I don’t know about you guys but I see us putting up more than 21 points I would say 28 to 35 should be a good number by then our Oline should be on track and gelling
by falcons101 on Sep 7, 2011 11:41 PM EDT via iPhone app up reply actions
How much is that in dollars?
about one? lol
Really, I dont know Yoko. I need that translated. lol
Now Gentlemen, get your butts up, and get back on that horse! You have no choice. The expectations are running much higher this year.
How are you predicting the stats
The game is months away. We don’t know what the teams will look like going into it
My opinion
Drawing the NFC North, where I think we can go 3-1 (Loss to the Pack), and the AFC South, where at worst, we go 3-1 (The Colts are the only team that worries me) is a huge help.
Starting those first 5 games 2-3 I think is worst case scenario. I don’t think it will be that bad. I think we can beat the Eagles and Bucs.
Despite the playoff loss to GB
I think we beat them at home. I think the players will be so amped and on fire GB won’t have an answer for them. The only two teams that worry me are the Eagles and Colts. Every year I say to myself “this is the year we beat Philly”, but every year I’m wrong. For whatever reason, they have our number and I am hoping this is finally the year we go into beast mode on them. The Colts are on the decline but as long as Manning is on the field, they will be in the game. No matter what scrub WR is on their team, he makes them look like a stud. The dude is flat out surgical on the field and that game could really be tough. Why couldn’t we face them in week 1?
I hate
To wish bad on the guy but his injury sounds serious if he rushes back to play to soon his career could be over so by the time we play them I think he will just be getting into the swing of things thus we should beat them
by falcons101 on Sep 7, 2011 9:34 PM EDT via iPhone app up reply actions
My prediction:
Peyton is out for the year. His neck injury is as bad as it could get short of paralysis. It will heal but it’s gonna take a lot of time. If he’s smart he’ll take the year off and do some analysis. It would kill him to do that emotionally but if he doesn’t he could be in a wheel chair for the rest of his life.
Rule #1: Double tap.
by Ball Hawk on Sep 8, 2011 12:08 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
What happened to him that caused him to have the surgery in the first place?
As far as his recovery, I don’t know if this is the same thing, but I had mouth surgery a little under a year ago. They had to make a pretty good slice on the inside of my bottom lip. Whatever they did, either the numbing or the slicing killed the nerves in about a half inch section on the left half of my bottom lip. To this day, I can’t feel anything, and I mean anything, that touches that section of my mouth, presumably because the nerves either died or were unable to regenerate.
If Peyton’s issue is similar (nerve regeneration) he may not be able to feel anything, and if you can’t feel a football, you can’t hold onto it, let alone throw it. He may never be the same, but when you’re talking neck/head/spinal stuff, you need to make sure it is 120% completely healed before you play with it.
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by Caleb Rutherford on Sep 8, 2011 12:13 AM EDT up reply actions
Bulging disc repair is what he got
My mother-n-law got that and she wasnt right for over a year. It’s a very finicky type of surgery. Does the remaining disc reform to support the surrounding vertabrae or not? Not to mention Manning is an athlete, and throwing the football puts a lot of torque on the neck. It could be a while before he returns, like months, because if it doesnt look good already when somethings not healing right and that can be very bad. This could even end his career. I truly hope not, but conceivably it could.
Now Gentlemen, get your butts up, and get back on that horse! You have no choice. The expectations are running much higher this year.
First play
Playaction pass to JJ for a TD would be nice.
Knowing MM, it will be….you guessed it! A run up the middle!!! 3 yard gain!
I bet we stall on our first drive.
Defense holds and then the offense opens up for some bombs for a TD.
Rule #1: Double tap.
by Ball Hawk on Sep 8, 2011 12:10 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Hayden the 5th CB
I know he just got in the building, but that surprises me. I think it’s going to be Franks playing the nickel. Thing is, he might be dealing with the Bears most talented WR in Knox. At least he’s the guy with the most upside in my opinion. I expect Dunta to be mostly matched up on Roy W. and Grimes playing Hester. Grimes vs. Hester might be the best matchup of the game.
All I know is, if our pass rush is effective
it wont matter about the secondary playing lights out, they wont have too. As long as Cutler is running and ducking for his life then we win this easily.
I still think it will be close game, but I’m hoping we whoop their ass badly. say 31-13?
Now Gentlemen, get your butts up, and get back on that horse! You have no choice. The expectations are running much higher this year.
I'm with that
The bears aren’t a sleeper by any means but we need to win this one
by falcons101 on Sep 8, 2011 12:30 PM EDT via iPhone app up reply actions
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