Falcons vs Saints: Snap Counts, Sadness, and the End of 2015

Offense

Chris Chester: 67 (100%)
Andy Levitre: 67
Ryan Schraeder: 67
Jake Matthews: 67
Gino Gradkowski: 67
Matt Ryan: 67
Devonta Freeman: 59
Julio Jones: 58
Roddy White: 55
Jacob Tamme: 53
Justin Hardy: 45
Levine Toilolo: 26
Patrick DiMarco: 19
Tony Moeaki: 11
Nick Williams: 5
Terron Ward: 4

Atlanta's offense this week looked very similar to last week in terms of snap counts, but the players failed to execute in the most crucial of times. Untimely mistakes by Shayne Graham, Devonta Freeman, Andy Levitre, and Matt Ryan cumulatively cost the Falcons a victory at home to finish the season. I may be in the minority that believes Kyle Shanahan called a good game this week, but a loss is a loss and we'll have an entire off-season to dwell on it.

Devonta was able to add to his snaps with Coleman out another week, but struggled to capitalize on it with a line that wasn't doing him too many favors. Tamme saw increased time this week as well, and was a good look for Matt Ryan with 4 catches and 61 yards. Tony Moeaki saw his first touchdown of the season and as a Falcon despite only playing 11 snaps; let's give him a hand for that accomplishment sexy truck on the goal line.

Oh yeah! Falcons fans were introduced to Gino Gradkowski this week, who outside of one off snap, played admirably in his first start. It's fairly obvious that the Falcons front office (and the fan base for that matter) has little to no faith in their center position, so it'll be interesting to see how they address that this off-season.

Defense

Desmond Trufant: 68 (100%)
Robert Alford: 68
Paul Worrilow: 64
Kemal Ishmael: 61
Charles Godfrey: 60
Justin Durant: 60
Kroy Biermann: 39
Jonathan Babineaux: 37
Tyson Jackson: 36
Ra'Shede Hageman: 35
Adrian Clayborn: 32
O'Brien Schofield: 32
Joey Mbu: 31
Vic Beasley: 31
Phillip Adams: 28
Brooks Reed: 21
Grady Jarrett: 17
Ricardo Allen: 15
Nate Stupar: 4 
Akeem King: 4
Philip Wheeler: 4

We can't be mad at the defense this week. Quinn and the Falcons held one of the most prolific passing offenses in the league to just 20 points. Unfortunately, the offense was unable to capitalize on many of the defense's stops and put the defense in bad spots more than we'd typically hope for.

But as for snap counts, there are quite a few things to take from this week. In Soliai's absence, it was Joey Mbu who picked up the responsibility of the nose tackle position. Mbu was able to get penetration early and never seemed to be a liability on the interior, which is delightful. Grady Jarrett was also seen briefly, but may still have been bothered by a shoulder injury he was nursing during the week.

Ricardo Allen's early concussion in addition to William Moore's injury led to guys like Charles Godfrey and Kemal Ishmael seeing the field for most of the game. The two played well, and gave the Falcons sound coverage outside of a brilliant catch by Ben Watson for a touchdown. Had Robinsen Therezie been active, he would have likely seen some snaps here as well.

Jalen Collins was once again absent from the snap counts, but should have gotten some playtime in the final week. The raw corner out of LSU should see a bigger role headed into next season with both Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford set to hit free agency in 2017.

Special Teams

Kroy Biermann: 18
Nate Stupar: 16
Levine Toilolo: 14
Terron Ward: 10
Matt Bosher: 10
Nick Williams: 9
Patrick DiMarco: 8
Desmond Trufant: 8 
Robert Alford: 8
Kemal Ishmael: 8
Tyson Jackson: 8
Adrian Clayborn: 8
Eric Weems: 8
Jalen Collins: 8
Tony Moeaki: 6
O'Brien Schofield: 6
Devin Hesters: 6
Josh Harris: 6
Chris Chester: 4
Andy Levitre: 4
Ryan Schraeder: 4
Jake Matthews: 4
Justin Hardy: 4
Paul Worrilow: 4
Ra'Shede Hageman: 4
Akeem King: 4
Shayne Graham: 4
Jake Long: 4
Phillip Adams: 2
Ricardo Allen: 1
Philip Wheeler: 1

Shayne Graham missed a field goal for the second week in a row, but played very well this season for the Falcons in Matt Bryant's absense. Devin Hester was unable to get anything going in the return game, leaving some fans questioning if he'll be a part of the team going into the future. Thankfully, there were no massive returns out of the Saints, and the special teams unit once again gives us not much to converse over.

What are your takes on the snap counts above, and how do you see them changing with off-season moves? Be sure to sound off with your two cents below.