The Falcoholic - Falcons vs. Packers Complete Game CoverageFalcons News, Analysis & Tomfoolery For and By Fanshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/21944/falcoholic-fave.jpg2013-12-09T14:53:05-05:00http://www.thefalcoholic.com/rss/stream/49401272013-12-09T14:53:05-05:002013-12-09T14:53:05-05:00Thomas DeCoud Dealing with Concussion
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<figcaption>Kevin C. Cox</figcaption>
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<p>DeCoud exited the game and did not return, and will now go through the league's concussion protocol.</p> <p>Thomas Decoud was having a pretty solid game yesterday, but then he suffered a head injury and exited the game. It seemed like a concussion at the time, and now the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a> have confirmed it:</p>
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<p>Coach Smith says <span>Thomas DeCoud</span> had a concussion yesterday and is going through league protocol. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23ATLvsGB&src=hash">#ATLvsGB</a></p>
— Atlanta_Falcons (@Atlanta_Falcons) <a href="https://twitter.com/Atlanta_Falcons/statuses/410129950470320128">December 9, 2013</a>
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<p>There's no word on how severe the concussion is, so we're left to wait for further news. DeCoud could conceivably be back on the field against Washington, or he could miss a couple of weeks. In the midst of a lost season for both DeCoud and the team, there's no rush. Concussions need time, and the most important thing is his health going forward. <span>Zeke Motta</span> filled in ably and will do so as long as DeCoud's out.</p>
<p>DeCoud has 58 tackles and two pass deflections on the season.</p>
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https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2013/12/9/5192946/thomas-decoud-injury-safety-suffered-concussion-against-packersDave Choate2013-12-09T12:00:05-05:002013-12-09T12:00:05-05:00The Young Guns Are Blazing
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<figcaption>Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Young players got tons of snaps against the Packers. </p> <p>When I wrote last week that the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a> were finally moving to play the young guys, you could have been forgiven for some healthy skepticism. They finally delivered, though.</p>
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<p><span>Robert Alford</span> played all 71 snaps at LCB as Samuel benched. <span>Zeke Motta</span> played 55 snaps (75%) at safety after <span>Thomas DeCoud</span> (head) left game.</p>
— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) <a href="https://twitter.com/vxmcclure23/statuses/410033105194344448">December 9, 2013</a>
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<p>Rookie Ryan Schraeder played 42 of 59 offensive snaps (71 %) at tackle. Starter <span>Jeremy Trueblood</span> played 17 snaps.</p>
— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) <a href="https://twitter.com/vxmcclure23/statuses/410033600654872576">December 9, 2013</a>
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This is what we had been waiting for. Alford getting a ton of run bolsters my belief that he'll be the starter next year, with <span>Asante Samuel</span> potentially heading out of town. DeCoud was playing fine before his injury—and we hope he's doing well—while Motta played just a tick below average once he came in, particularly in coverage. It was impressive enough for a seventh-round rookie, though.</p>
<p>The Falcons are committed to finding out what they have, which is why Schraeder got most of the snaps at right tackle. He was poor in pass protection, but no worse than Jeremy Trueblood is most weeks, and he's much younger and more promising over the long haul. There's no harm in getting him his snaps.</p>
<p>Where the young guys have been forced into the lineup, they're making an impact. <span>Jonathan Massaquoi</span> and <span>Paul Worrilow</span> each grabbed 1.5 sacks yesterday. <span>Malliciah Goodman</span> had the team's best grade in run-stopping, and was a major factor in limiting <span>Eddie Lacy</span> on the ground yesterday. <span>Drew Davis</span> made the most of his limited opportunities, scoring a nice touchdown.</p>
<p>I won't go say far as to say the future's bright. There is too much work to be done on this roster before I'd feel confident in that. Yet it's clear that the Falcons have some intriguing young players on this roster, and at minimum guys like Schraeder, Goodman and Davis/<span>Darius Johnson</span> are quality depth for a team that hasn't had that in a little while.</p>
<p>Your thoughts on the young guys?</p>
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https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2013/12/9/5190208/falcons-usher-in-the-youth-movement-in-loss-versus-packersDave Choate2013-12-09T08:00:18-05:002013-12-09T08:00:18-05:00Falcons-Packers Recap: A Cold Winter
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<figcaption>Mike McGinnis</figcaption>
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<p>The Falcons can't come away with a win in frozen Green Bay. </p> <p>Except for the fact that <span>Aaron Rodgers</span> and his doleful mustache were sitting on the bench, everything seemed to be working against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a>.</p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Packers</a> were hungry after an ugly divisional loss. It was mighty cold at Lambeau Field. Jadaveon Clowney and his lousy attitude beckoned in sultry fashion. Yet all those advantages wound up being overblown by yours truly, among others.</p>
<p>The Falcons simply hung in. There were turnovers, particularly the huge interception return from Weatherspoon and the fumble caused by <span>William Moore</span>, and there was quality offensive play. This team has done too little, too late, but it shows that they aren't as dead to rights as some had pegged them.</p>
<p>In the end, they didn't get a win out of it.</p>
<p>The draft position question was affected, obviously, and for the better. The Falcons will probably move up a spot or two, and I really do understand if you're wildly firing guns into the air because of it. What I've wanted all year is for this team to play like their talent had not been drained from them and used to power another football team, and that happened for about a half. Small victories count as victories in a year like this.</p>
<p>It's fair to say the the Falcons have found a few quality players that will make the transition into next year a little easier. There's plenty of time to debate whether next year willl be any better, but baby steps are still steps. Three weeks left to go before we can start anticipating something new.</p>
<p>Individual breakdowns below.</p>
<p> </p>
<h3>The Good</h3>
<ul>
<li>The Falcons were able to buy some pass protection against the Packers, and look what happened: Matt Ryan was sharp. On his first three drives, he went 9/10 for 85 yards and two touchdowns. It went downhill a bit from there, but he wasn't bad. That throw on the last play of the game was a poor result on arguably the right read. <br><br>I've said it before and I'll say it again: Ryan needs weapons, but he needs pass protection more. The Falcons need to keep that in mind going forward. </li>
<li>Steven Jackson suffered an injury but returned and had another fine day. He averaged well over 4 yards per carry and caught a couple of passes, dropped ball notwithstanding. </li>
<li>It's entirely possible that <span>Drew Davis</span> is only situationally useful, but look: He has 9 catches, 146 yards and two touchdowns on the year. He deserves to be on the field a little more often, because he's proven he can make plays. </li>
<li>William Moore had the play of the game. He blew into the backfield on a pass rush, took down <span>Matt Flynn</span> and forced a fumble that <span>Malliciah Goodman</span> picked up. It's been an up-and-down year for Moore, but no one should doubt his ability to make a play. <br>
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<li>The pass rush finally got home. Paul Worrilow and <span>Jonathan Massaquoi</span> each got a sack-and-a-half, <span>Corey Peters</span> destroyed Flynn for another and the pressure came early and often, if not as consistently as we'd like. It was a big step in the right direction, even if it was against a weak offensive line. </li>
<li>Sean Weatherspoon's interception off <span>Paul Worrilow's</span> foot was amazing, and that's to say nothing of the 71 yard touchdown return. Simply fantastic. </li>
<li> <span>Zeke Motta</span> didn't look like a world beater after taking over for an injured Thomas DeCoud—he did get burned at least once—but he had a pass deflection and looked like a sound tackler. It's entirely possible that this is DeCoud's last year as a starter in Atlanta, and while a seventh-round rookie wouldn't seem like a great bet to turn into something, it's possible Motta's at least a useful backup going forward. </li>
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<h3>The Ugly</h3>
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<li>I'm not sure why the Falcons are still giving <span>Jeremy Trueblood</span> so many snaps. He's basically a rental, he's been decidedly below average all season long and there's a chance to see what Ryan Schraeder and even <span>Lamar Holmes</span> can offer at right tackle. What's the holdup? And yes, I know they were smart enough to get Schraeder in there for most of the snaps. </li>
<li>I thought the offensive line played better, but they still had their moments. Lamar Holmes' penalty, <span>Ryan Schraeder's</span> sack and fumble and Trueblood's general play were all ugly at times. </li>
<li>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Lions</a> held the Packers to 10 points on Thanksgiving. The Falcons allowed 13. 'Nuff said. </li>
<li>Things just shut down in the second half. The missed field goal stunk, but the decision-making by Mike Smith and the coaching staff was just uninspired. Once again, a team came out of the half ready to do something new, and once again, the Falcons weren't able to adjust. For someone who was hoping for a win, that kinda sucks. </li>
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<h3>The Wrapup</h3>
<p><b>Game MVP: </b>Steady ol' Matt Ryan.</p>
<p><b>Game Theme Song: </b>Insert your close game theme of choice.</p>
<p><b>One Thing To Take Away:</b> The Falcons are getting hot at precisely the wrong time, sure, but they've got enough talent to contend when healthy. That's worth something, with 2014 a crucial year.</p>
<p><b>Next Week: </b>The woeful <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/washington-redskins">Washington Redskins</a>. Check out <a target="_blank" href="http://www.hogshaven.com">Hogs Haven</a> for more.</p>
<p><b>Final Word: </b><i>Threemoreweeks. </i></p>
<p> </p>
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https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2013/12/9/5188824/falcons-vs-packers-recap-no-win-in-lambeauDave Choate2013-12-08T14:23:40-05:002013-12-08T14:23:40-05:00Falcons-Packers Second Half Open Thread
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<p>It's time, people.</p> <p>Thanks to a pair of turnovers, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a> head into the half up 21-10 on the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Packers</a>. This is a little bit unexpected.</p>
<p>Right now, the Falcons are finally playing quality football, lending credence to the idea that a healthy <span>Sean Weatherspoon</span> and <span>Roddy White</span> are key to the team's fortunes.</p>
<p><span>Thomas DeCoud</span> is dealing with an injury. Just so you know.</p>
<p><b>GO FALCONS!</b></p>
<p> </p>
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https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2013/12/8/5188984/falcons-packers-second-half-open-threadDave Choate2013-12-08T12:00:03-05:002013-12-08T12:00:03-05:00Falcons-Packers Open Thread
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<p>It's time for the 3-9 Falcons to take on the 5-6-1 Packers at Lambeau Field.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a> take on the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Green Bay Packers</a> at Lambeau Field. It may not be a pretty game, but it's an important one for the Packers, at the very least.</p>
<p>Look for the Falcons and Packers to both try to run early and often. In the case of Green Bay, it'll be their best at winning. In the case of the Falcons, it'll be their best shot to keep Matt Ryan standing another week.</p>
<p><strong>GO FALCONS!</strong></p>
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https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2013/12/8/5183068/falcons-packers-gameday-open-threadDave Choate2013-12-08T10:00:05-05:002013-12-08T10:00:05-05:00Watch Ryan Schraeder
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<p>It's gametime for the burly offensive lineman.</p> <p>The stakes aren't high for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a> in this game, which means me giving you a player to watch like a Matt Ryan or a Steven Jackson wouldn't mean much to you. Win or lose, no one's rioting here.</p>
<p>So watch <span>Ryan Schraeder</span> instead. The rookie tackle drew some raves from Pat Hill this week, as detailed by Jeanna Thomas yesterday, and it sounds like he's going to get a real shot to play at guard and tackle. If he's a player, particularly at guard, the Falcons may have one less need going into 2014. That would absolutely huge.</p>
<p>There's no guarantee he'll be anything more than a useful backup, but these last four games will help us find out. Keep a close eye on Schraeder and hope for the best.</p>
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https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2013/12/8/5183002/falcons-vs-packers-watch-ryan-schraederDave Choate2013-12-08T04:00:03-05:002013-12-08T04:00:03-05:00Falcons-Packers Game Time, Channel and History
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<p>Game time, TV schedule, online streaming and odds for the Atlanta Falcons at Green Bay Packers in NFL Week 14. </p> <p>The 3-9 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a> travel to the frozen north to take on the 5-6-1 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Green Bay Packers</a>, who are clinging to their playoff lives with <span>Matt Flynn</span> under center. It's safe to say there's more riding on this for them than Atlanta.</p>
<p>As always, you'll be talking about the game right here at The Falcoholic. Details about the matchup are below.</p>
<h3>Game Time</h3>
<p>The game kicks off at 1 p.m. at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.</p>
<h3>TV Schedule</h3>
<p>You can find the game on your local FOX channel.</p>
<h3>Live Chat</h3>
<p>You'll get one open thread here for each half, filled to the brim with anger and elation. You can also follow us on Twitter for corny jokes and the occasional actual update.</p>
<h3>Online Streaming Channel</h3>
<p>If you want to listen live, check out the NFL's Audio Pass!</p>
<p>Don't post illegal stream links, or I will ram a submersible into your home.</p>
<h3>Radio Channel</h3>
<p>You can catch the game on Sirius.</p>
<h3>Odds</h3>
<p>Green Bay (-3)</p>
<h3>Last Meeting</h3>
<p>The Falcons were beaten 25-14 back in October of 2011. It was a sad day.</p>
<h3>Historically Speaking</h3>
<p>The Packers are up 15-13 in the all-time series, which is closer than I would have expected given the Falcons' long runs of ineptitude. Viva Falcons!</p>
<p> </p>
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https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2013/12/8/5182830/falcons-vs-packers-game-time-tv-schedule-online-streaming-and-channelDave Choate2013-12-07T16:00:03-05:002013-12-07T16:00:03-05:00A Quick Look at the 2013 Rookie Class
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<p>How the Falcons' 2013 rookie class has fared thus far.</p> <p>With the 2014 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a> looming on our minds and visions of Jadaveon Clowney and Anthony Barr dancing in our heads, I thought this was an ideal time to revisit the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a>' 2013 draft class. There's four games to go, after all, so we have a decent idea of how their seasons have gone.</p>
<p>No preamble necessary: This was heralded as an important draft class, and it's shaking out that way early on. We're including UDFAs in the total here, so keep that in mind.</p>
<h3><b>Round 1: <span>Desmond Trufant</span>, CB</b></h3>
<p><b>Grade: A</b></p>
<p>I could nitpick Trufant by noting that he hasn't picked a lot of passes, that he's prone to the occasional pass interference call, that his tackling needs a little bit of work and he's not quite a finished product in run support. I guess I just did.</p>
<p>Yet Trufant has been truly stellar. He has the team's highest pass coverage rating per Pro Football Focus, he's piled up 14 pass deflections and opposing quarterbacks are finding him exceedingly difficult to pass against. He's been a solid enough tackler, he'd be sitting on two interceptions if <span>William Moore</span> hadn't tried to kill him and he's played well no matter where he's been lined up.</p>
<p>The Falcons had to give up their third rounder to move up and get him, which wasn't ideal. By any reasonable measure, though, Trufant has been everything we could have dreamed of, and he looks like the team's top cornerback for the next few years. I couldn't be happier with the way his season has gone.</p>
<h3><b>Round 2: <span>Robert Alford</span>, CB</b></h3>
<p><b>Grade: B+</b></p>
<p>Alford is less of a finished product than Trufant, but he's been no less impressive when he's had his opportunities. He has two picks, seven pass deflections and a positive grade in coverage, and his athleticism is truly impressive.</p>
<p>Penalties, lack of playing time and the occasional whiff on a tackle have held Alford back, but his potential is truly impressive. His speed makes him a force to be reckoned with even if he gambles a bit in coverage, and a week ago only one of the six passes thrown was completed. He's improving by the week, and he and Trufant are making <span>Asante Samuel</span> look expendable for 2014.</p>
<p>I want to see Alford make better decisions and refine his coverage skills a bit, as he's still a bit inconsistent on a play-to-play basis. He's still got the potential to be something special, and he's already a quality cornerback.</p>
<h3>Round 4: <span>Malliciah Goodman</span>, DE</h3>
<p><b>Grade: C+</b></p>
<p>It's tough to know what the Falcons have in Goodman. I've watched him a lot this year because he's a player I like, and his development is crucial. It's been a decidedly mixed bag.</p>
<p>Let's start with the grim. Goodman, as noted by many on here, simply doesn't have the explosive first step that quality pass rushers have. The result is that he's too often a half-a-second behind the play, and while I've seen him get close to the quarterback, he hasn't been able to close the deal. His reaction time in general is just very slightly delayed, and until he learns to read the snap better and adds some moves to his toolkit, he's probably never going to be a net-plus as a pass rusher.</p>
<p>As a run-stopper, though, Goodman is already quite good. He's in the top five on the team for his run-stopping skills, thanks to his ferocious strength. When he's able to see the play developing for a beat, he identifies open lanes well and moves toward them with purpose. He's a big kid and a sound tackler, which only helps.</p>
<p>I gave him a C+ because right now, he looks like a useful rotational lineman and a plus against the run, but someone who doesn't have the pass rushing skillset to be a complete end. It's early yet, though, and I still have high hopes for him.</p>
<h3>Round 4: <span>Levine Toilolo</span>, TE</h3>
<p><b>Grade: C</b></p>
<p>We knew when Toilolo arrived in town that he was going to be a bit of a project. Twelve games into the season, that's exactly what he is.</p>
<p>Toilolo has made some strides. He's made a couple of tough catches in traffic, he's improving as a blocker and his routes are a bit better. For all that, he's not able to get separation very often, he hasn't quite earned Matt Ryan's trust, he could still improve as a blocker and he'll need to work on his skills in general.</p>
<p>There's promise here, but it's tough to get a bead on him. In my entirely arbitrary rankings, that leaves him with a C.</p>
<h3>Round 5: <span>Stansly Maponga</span>, DE</h3>
<p><b>Grade: INC</b></p>
<p>Simply not enough snaps to judge Maponga at this point. He's been a minus as both a run defender and a pass rusher thus far, and will need work to be anything more than a pure rotational defensive end. With just 77 snaps to his name, I don't know what he's going to turn out to be, but the athleticism is promising.</p>
<h3><b>Round 7: <span>Kemal Ishmael</span>, S</b></h3>
<p><b>Grade: INC</b></p>
<p>Not one defensive snap to his name, inactive most weeks. A guy with some upside, but not someone we're going to see or be able to judge meaningfully until 2014 at the earliest.</p>
<h3>Round 7: <span>Zeke Motta</span>, S</h3>
<p><b>Grade: INC</b></p>
<p>Motta has half as many snaps at Maponga. He's been a useful special teamer when he has played and he looked decidedly decent when taking over for <span>Thomas DeCoud</span>, but that's not enough to judge him. He still profiles as a backup safety/hard hitter on special teams over the long haul.</p>
<h3>Round 7: <span>Sean Renfree</span>, QB</h3>
<p><b>Grade: INC</b></p>
<p>I like Renfree. He could be Ryan's backup someday. He's also missed the entire year with an injury, so again, we go with the incomplete.</p>
<h3>UDFAs</h3>
<p><b><span>Darius Johnson</span>, WR</b></p>
<p><b>Grade: B+</b></p>
<p>DJ has had very few games to prove himself, yet he's come up with some tough catches in traffic and is running much better routes than a UDFA rookie receiver should be running. He's already, at the very least, a capable fourth receiver for an NFL team, with a chance to be a useful slot receiver over the long haul. I'll be looking for continued improvement, but he's impressed despite some errors along the way.</p>
<p><b><span>Ryan Schraeder</span>, OL</b></p>
<p><b>Grade: INC</b></p>
<p>I'm hoping we'll be able to assign something more concrete to Schraeder, who stands to get more snaps in the near future. Right now, he's an unknown who has done well in very limited snaps. Stay tuned.</p>
<p><b><span>Paul Worrilow</span>, LB</b></p>
<p><b>Grade: A-</b></p>
<p>Tackles aside, Worrilow hasn't authored any big plays, which is a knock against him. He's been a net negative against the pass and the run, even if he's maybe the surest tackler on the team and someone who is always around the play.</p>
<p>So what? He's a UDFA rookie starting for the Falcons, piling up tackles and turning in far from the worst performance on a bad team. He's got plenty of time to grow, as well, with plus athleticism and that sound tackling technique. I've been very pleased with him.</p>
<p><b><span>Joplo Bartu</span>, LB</b></p>
<p><b>Grade: B+</b></p>
<p>He's been quieter in recent weeks, but Bartu has a nose for the run, he's young and he also has loads of potential. Even if he's a long-term backup, he's been one hell of a find for this coaching staff.</p>
<p>So there you have it. Thus far, this class has featured three successful UDFAs, two very impressive young rookie cornerbacks and a mixed bag across the board otherwise. This could still be a terrific class, and through 12 games, it's already looking pretty good.</p>
<p>Your thoughts?</p>
<p>
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https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2013/12/7/5182290/the-atlanta-falcons-rookie-report-card-at-the-3-4th-markDave Choate