The Falcoholic - Falcons vs. Steelers 2014 Complete Game CoverageFalcons News, Analysis & Tomfoolery For and By Fanshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/21944/falcoholic-fave.jpg2014-12-15T12:33:42-05:00http://www.thefalcoholic.com/rss/stream/71410162014-12-15T12:33:42-05:002014-12-15T12:33:42-05:003 Takeaways From Falcons-Steelers
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<p>Disfunction finds it's home, and it's the GA Dome.</p> <p>In one of the more frustrating game of the 2014 season, our <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons" class="sbn-auto-link">Falcons</a> dropped another close game to the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Pittsburgh Steelers</a>. It wasn't just the loss that was disturbing, but the overall flow of the game. The team often seemed disjointed or in some cases, apathetic. It's a hard loss to swallow, but amazingly, the Falcons are still in control of their playoff destiny. Here are some of the key things I took from this game:</p>
<p> </p>
<h4>1. <span>Matt Ryan</span> has to play near perfect for this team to win</h4>
<p>The talk around the Falcons since the game came to a close was the pick-6 that Ryan threw in the 2nd quarter. Talking heads around Atlanta have been quick to point out that INT as the reason the Falcons lost. And let's be clear: it was a terrible throw and one that Ryan should not have made. But it's also indicative of where this team is at now:</p>
<p>Matt Ryan has to play a near perfect game for this team to win.</p>
<p>Last week in GB, the Falcons were down 31-7 early due in part to a Matt Ryan INT. He ended up finishing the game 24/39 with 375 yards, 4 TDs and the 1 INT and a 116.9 QB rating. By any measure, that is a phenomenal day for a QB, but for the Falcons it wasn't enough.</p>
<p>And on Sunday, Ryan finished the game 26/37 with 310 yards and 2TDs and the 1 INT (that was a pick 6). He closed the day with 102.3 QB rating. On those numbers alone, he had a "good" day. Maybe not great, but certainly not terrible. Yet, for the Falcons, it wasn't enough.</p>
<p>I don't want to downplay the importance of those interceptions, because they DID impact those games. And the one against the Steelers was painful since it directly resulted in a touchdown. But by normal measures, Ryan had good games. And therein lies the problem with this team: Ryan can't simply have a good game. He can't even have a mostly great game. He has to have a near perfect game for this team to be able to win.</p>
<p>That is an impossible standard to hold to, and it highlights the disfunction of this team as it is currently constructed.</p>
<p> </p>
<h4>2. The reliance on Julio is our Achilles heel</h4>
<p>If we're honest, we all felt a feeling of dread when we found out that Julio would miss the game. After his dominance in the last 2 games, the question was what the Falcons offense would look like without him.</p>
<p>Well, we found out.</p>
<p>Julio obviously impacts the game in a way that few receivers can. Defenses have to game plan around him. Safeties have to play deeper to offer help to corners that are mismatched. Less attention is paid to other Falcons receivers, that ends up giving them better match-ups.</p>
<p>But when he's out, our offense changes. It's no longer dynamic. The safeties can cheat up into the box. They have little fear of Harry or Roddy, and it shows. Our tight-end is no longer a reliable weapon in our offense. And our receiver depth is topped by Eric Weems. All of this adds up to an offense that becomes stagnant and less capable.</p>
<p>Don't get me wrong, Julio is a fantastic receiver that I'm glad to have on the team. But the way the offense and roster is currently built means we just aren't capable of surviving if he's out of the game. We don't have another downfield threat at all. Roddy isn't the same receiver he once was, and Harry is a WR3 at best.</p>
<p>Long-term, the Falcons need to seriously consider whether they want the offense to be so heavily focused on one player. In a league that is known for injuries, hinging offensive success on one guy seems like a highly risky bet. While I want to see Julio on this team for years to come, I'd like to see the Falcons capable of passing downfield without him.</p>
<p> </p>
<h4>3. <span>Mike Smith</span> needs to go, regardless of they make the playoffs</h4>
<p>I'm going to keep this one short and sweet, because the arguments have been made ad nauseum. And I'm not going to address Dimitroff, because that will likely be a separate article entirely.</p>
<p>As for Smith: his conservative nature (opting for FGs instead of being aggressive), his benching of a frustrated but potentially talented player (Massaqoui) and ultimately, his inability to manage the finer aspects of the game means that his time has come.</p>
<p>Whether the Falcons make the playoffs or not, Smitty just needs to go.</p>
<p> </p>
<h4>One Extra Note:</h4>
<p>I did want to add one small note, acknowledging the decent overall performance of the defense. Some of our young guys flashed (Hageman, Southward) and the overall unit did a decent job of limiting a capable Steelers offense. They've often been at the root of our woes, but on Sunday they played well. Let's hope it's something they can build on for 2015.</p>
https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2014/12/15/7393497/falcons-vs-steelers-three-key-takeawaysDavid J Walker2014-12-15T09:52:29-05:002014-12-15T09:52:29-05:00Falcons Snap Counts, Week 15: Of Mass And Men
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<p>Breaking down the Falcons snaps for their Week 15 27-20 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. </p> <p>The Falcons played a frustrating, uneven game yesterday. It's little surprise that given that, one of the big story lines will be Jonathan Massaquoi's lack of snaps, and Jon Asamoah's injury. We'll address both here.</p>
<p>On to the snap counts.</p>
<h3>Offense</h3>
<p><span>Ryan Schraeder</span>: 60 (100%)<br><span>James Stone</span>: 60<br><span>Jake Matthews</span>: 60<br><span>Justin Blalock</span>: 60<br>Matt Ryan: 60<br><span>Roddy White</span>: 57<br><span>Levine Toilolo</span>: 56<br><span>Harry Douglas</span>: 50<br><span>Devin Hester</span>: 36<br><span>Gabe Carimi</span>: 35<br><span>Steven Jackson</span>: 27<br><span>Jon Asamoah</span>: 25<br><span>Jacquizz Rodgers</span>: 19<br><span>Bear Pascoe</span>: 18<br><span>Eric Weems</span>; 14<br><span>Devonta Freeman</span>: 13<br><span>Patrick DiMarco</span>: 6<br><span>Harland Gunn</span>: 4</p>
<p>It's pretty clear at this point that the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a> don't see <span>Drew Davis</span> as a contributor on offense despite his speed, which left the Falcons with 3.5 real receiving options yesterday, given that Levine Toilolo isn't a factor and Eric Weems might grab 1-2 targets a game. It's pretty evident that the offense is limited by the number of reliable pass catchers when injuries strike, in other words.</p>
<p>Losing Asamoah hurt, with Carimi being an obvious downgrade at right guard. We'll have to hope he returns at full health soon, but given that he's dealing with a back injury, it's not particularly likely.</p>
<h3>Defense</h3>
<p><span>Kemal Ishmael</span>: 59 (100%)<br>Robert McClain: 59<br>Desmond Trufant: 59<br><span>Paul Worrilow</span>: 59<br>Dwight Lowery: 59<br><span>Kroy Biermann</span>: 49<br>Corey Peters: 37<br>Paul Soliai: 35<br><span>Jonathan Babineaux</span>: 34<br>Joplo Bartu: 26<br>Cliff Matthews: 25<br>Josh Wilson: 22<br>Malliciah Goodman: 21<br>Tyson Jackson: 19<br>Prince Shembo: 18<br>Javier Arenas: 15<br><span>Dezmen Southward</span>: 15<br><span>Osi Umenyiora</span>: 15<br>Ra'Shede Hageman: 13<br><span>Stansly Maponga</span>: 10</p>
<p>Lowery and Trufant had subpar games by their standards, which obviously hurt. Not having <span>William Moore</span> also hurt. The Falcons managed to get a little more pressure from Kroy Biermann, Corey Peters and Paul Soliai in this game, though it wasn't enough to force Roethlisberger into any major mistakes. Peters, you'll note, finally led all defensive tackles in snaps.</p>
<p>The twin frustrations here are that <span>Jonathan Massaquoi</span> got zero snaps days after lobbying for more playing time through ESPN, which is the latest chapter in an increasingly dumb saga for this team, and that Hageman continues to hover in the teens for snaps. Yesterday he was a force on several of those snaps, and it's glaringly obvious that he should be slicing a few snaps away from guys like Tyson Jackson and even Malliciah Goodman so he has more chances to impact the game.</p>
<p>At least Maponga got in, though?</p>
<h3>Special Teams</h3>
<p><span>Nate Stupar</span>: 22<br>Javier Arenas: 19<br>Eric Weems: 17<br>Drew Davis: 14<br>Cliff Matthews: 14<br>Matt Bosher: 12<br>Patrick DiMarco: 11<br>Harland Gunn: 10<br>Dezmen Southward: 10<br><span>Matt Bryant</span>: 4</p>
<p>Stupar, Weems, Matthews, Davis and Arenas (now that he's finally active) form the core of a quality special teams coverage unit. That's really all I have to say about that.</p>
https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2014/12/15/7388551/falcons-vs-steelers-week-15-snap-countsDave Choate2014-12-15T08:00:05-05:002014-12-15T08:00:05-05:00Falcons-Steelers Breakdown: Argh, A Loss
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<p>The 5-9 Falcons must win out against their NFC South rivals in order to stand a chance at a playoff spot after dropping two straight games against playoff teams. </p> <p>Many spoke of this game as though it was not vital, as though the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a> could make their playoff dreams come true in the last two weeks against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">Saints</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Panthers</a>. While that may be strictly true, a win here would have put the Falcons firmly in the driver's seat and taken pressure off in Weeks 16 and 17. Instead, they got down early and never managed to dig out of that initial hole, and the Falcons now have to be perfect if they want to make it out of the putrid NFC South and into the postseason.</p>
<p>The Falcons are like the world's worst construction crew in that sense, because they can't build on anything. We knew it would be tough sledding minus <span>Julio Jones</span>, even with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a>' mediocre defense, but it was deeply disappointing to see the team to come out misfiring and handing the Steelers free points. If you ever needed evidence that momentum is a flawed concept in sports, the Falcons certainly provided it yesterday, and they weren't able to make good on the comeback. Given that they're now behind the 5-8-1 Carolina Panthers, there's got to be some bitter tastes in mouths in Atlanta.</p>
<p>For all that, it is worth pointing out that the Falcons were down Julio Jones, <span>Robert Alford</span>, andWilliam Moore before the game, and <span>Josh Wilson</span> and <span>Jon Asamoah</span> exited during the game. This is a team with real holes that was facing a squad with a terrific offense, and they managed to hang in despite the odds against it. None of that makes the loss or the anemic early game performance any more palatable, but it <i>is</i> the reality we are dealing with. In that light, it was impressive that the Falcons hung around until the end, yet ultimately more crushing because of that fact. The Falcons <i>did</i> only lose by a score, after all, and had enough missed opportunities to make you once again wonder what might have been.</p>
<p>The Falcons have put themselves in the unenviable position of needing to win two straight division games, which tend to be high variance games. It's fair to say that I'm not brimming with optimism, though I remain hopeful that the Falcons can at least sweep the NFC South, giving us something to feel decent about as we head into an unknown and likely tumultuous offseason. No matter how the season turns out, I have to say I'm deeply disappointed with the outcome of this one,</p>
<p>On to the individual breakdowns, and then on to the Saints.</p>
<h3>The Good</h3>
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<li> <span>Matt Ryan</span> largely put together a competent, strong game that helped keep the Falcons in it. I'm not going to sing his praises too much, however, because he did miss on a handful of throws that could have made a difference, including that incredibly costly pick six. Still, the balance of work was once again a quality one. </li>
<li>Steven Jackson's quite boom or bust at this stage of his career, but he was booming yesterday against the Steelers. He finished with 11 yards for 46 carries, and it's fair to wonder whether the Falcons might have put up a better fight had they been able to balance the run and pass better. Once they went down by two-plus scores, that was that, though. <br> </li>
<li>The Falcons desperately needed <span>Roddy White</span> and <span>Harry Douglas</span> to step up, and while neither were fantastic, both put together strong days for Matt Ryan. Roddy snagged seven catches for 58 yards and a fourth quarter touchdown, while Harry Douglas managed eight catches for 123 yards, including one huge burst that set up that Roddy touchdown. <br><br>I should note that <span>Devin Hester</span> had his best game in weeks, too, with 5 catches for 85 yards and a touchdown, and a nice return to boot. The receivers weren't at fault for this one. </li>
<li> <span>Paul Soliai</span> made a brilliant play in the late first quarter, forcing Roethlisberger to step up in the pocket and then getting the sack on him. It was the first sack of the year for Soliai, who was also instrumental in holding <span>Le'Veon Bell</span> to an anemic yards per carry average today. <br> </li>
<li>This was easily the most impressive game I've seen from the defense in a while, at least until the end. They limited Le'Veon Bell, managed to generate some real pressure on <span>Ben Roethlisberger</span> and generally kept the Falcons in the game when their offense wasn't cooperating. <span>Kroy Biermann</span> and the line got pressure, the linebackers tackled pretty well and the secondary was able to keep <span>Antonio Brown</span> from destroying them until the end. It wasn't enough, but it was improvement.<br><br>Now if they could just stop running backs near the goal line, we'd be in business. <br> </li>
<li>Ra'Shede Hageman was a force yesterday, occupying blockers and slicing through the defensive line at one point to drop Le'Veon Bell a long ways behind the line of scrimmage. We're getting closer and closer to seeing him deliver on some of his considerable potential, and I do think he'll be incredibly useful in 2015. </li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<h3>The Ugly</h3>
<ul>
<li>Matt Ryan threw yet another ugly interception that turned into a pick six. Ryan was too locked in on Harry Douglas, HD didn't run a great route and the Falcons utterly failed to catch and tackle <span>William Gay</span>, which led to an easy touchdown for the Steelers. They did not need an easy touchdown. <br><br>Ryan's harshest critics don't need the ammunition that mistakes like these and some of his other missed throws today provide. Again, on balance he's an excellent quarterback, but it's tough to deny that his worst mistakes have come at the worst times in 2014. </li>
<li>Harry Douglas picked up two offensive pass interference calls in this one, and while the second one wasn't particularly damaging, it was discouraging given the day he had otherwise. </li>
<li>The offensive line allowed more pressure than it has in weeks, with Ryan getting blown up once and chased multiple times. That got even worse when Jon Asamoah exited the game, and if he can't go next weekend against the Saints, all the progress this line made in recent weeks is in real jeopardy. </li>
<li>I'll spare a word for Jonathan Massaquoi, here. I don't have the snap counts from the game yet, but it appeared to me he was active and playing very little once again. While I don't think Massaquoi is the pass rushing savior he's sometimes made out to be, he's very obviously useful in that regard, and the Falcons are still not generating a consistent pass rush without him. If we find out his snaps were even further reduced because he keeps bringing up his playing time in the media...well, there's not going to be much joy in Falconville. </li>
<li> <span>Desmond Trufant</span> has been stellar this year, but his illegal contact penalty on 3rd down on Pittsburgh's last drive wound up being extremely costly for the Falcons. I understand wanting to take your guy out of the play, but Trufant simply made a mistake there, and the referees were waiting for them to make that mistake. It was not his finest day.<br><br>Unfortunately, the referees were making a lot of bad, borderline calls yesterday, and by bad luck alone, more of them went against the Falcons. </li>
<li>Hindsight is 20/20, but given how well things worked out on defense, it would have been nice to see the Falcons go for it once or twice on short fourth downs. The lack of aggression is just frustrating as a fan, even in those cases where it is perfectly justifiable from any other viewpoint. </li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<h3>The Breakdown</h3>
<p><b>Game MVP: </b>I don't really have an easy MVP to give out in this one, so I'll return to my habit of not giving one out in losses. Maybe next weeks, fellas.</p>
<p><b>Theme Song: </b><a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oabcM9SOF-E">Well...</a></p>
<p><b>One Takeaway: </b>The Falcons are capable of rallying through injuries and early mistakes. They're just not capable of turning that rally into a win.</p>
<p><b>Next Week: </b>As anticipated, the biggest game of the year, a road trip against the hated New Orleans Saints. As always, head to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.canalstreetchronicles.com">Canal Street Chronicles</a> for all the latest on the Saints.</p>
<p><b>Final Word: </b><i>DisappointingbutheyIguesswe'restillinitsochinup.</i></p>
https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2014/12/15/7388539/falcons-vs-steelers-breakdownDave Choate2014-12-14T16:37:00-05:002014-12-14T16:37:00-05:00Falcons vs. Steelers Recap: Atlanta Falls Short
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<p>The Falcons dropped their second straight and fall four games below .500.</p> <p>Despite everything that's gone wrong this season, from poor clock management to failed comebacks, from blown leads to devastating injuries, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a> woke up on Sunday morning in control of their own fate. And, despite a brutal loss to Pittsburgh, the same will remain true for another week.</p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a> (9-5) took down the Falcons (5-9), 27-20, doing so despite a valiant effort from the home team. Atlanta pulled within seven late in the third quarter, and then several more times in the fourth, but ultimately fell short.</p>
<p>In the end, the Falcons' inability to convert in the red zone did them in. Two short <span>Matt Bryant</span> field goals in the third stanza -- one 28 yards, the other from 22 -- kept the score close. They simply weren't not enough.</p>
<p>Not against <span>Ben Roethlisberger</span> and the lethal Steelers defense.</p>
<p>Roethlisberger finished the day with 360 passing yards, 123 of which came from Antonio Brown. Le'Veon Bell had 72, as well, including a 44-yarder in the first.</p>
<p>That big gain wasn't a killer, though, as Mike Nolan's defense held the Steelers to a second straight field goal. Down 6-0, Atlanta had a chance to turn the tide.</p>
<p>But, as we've seen far too often, an errant pass from <span>Matt Ryan</span> proved to be a game-changer. On the first play of the second quarter, Ryan was picked off by <span>William Gay</span>, who ran the other way 52 yards for a touchdown. 13-0 Pittsburgh.</p>
<p>Ryan's day got more difficult shortly thereafter, when <span>Jason Worilds</span> delivered a bone-crunching hit, one that was deemed a roughing the passer penalty. It may have been a questionable call, but it gave the Falcons some much-needed life: Ryan found <span>Devin Hester</span> in the end zone several plays later, and the deficit was cut to six.</p>
<p>Devin Hester and <span>Roddy White</span> each caught touchdown passes and, along with <span>Harry Douglas</span>, did an admirable job filling <span>Julio Jones</span>' void. The trio combined for 274 receiving yards on 22 receptions, exposing holes in the Steelers' underwhelming secondary. Douglas' performance was easily his best of the season.</p>
<p>White's score, a four-yard pitch and catch, made it a one possession game with 10:26 left in regulation. It was also Roddy's 62nd TD in a Falcons' uniform, a franchise record.</p>
<p>However, Atlanta was unable to accomplish much else offensively, and despite an impressive stop on defense, couldn't orchestrate a game-tying drive. A 25-yard strike to <span>Heath Miller</span> with 2:42 left allowed Pittsburgh to run out the clock and leave with a victory.</p>
<p>The focus now shifts to New Orleans, who Atlanta must beat next week to keep its postseason hopes alive.</p>
https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2014/12/14/7390477/falcons-vs-steelers-recap-atlanta-falls-short-at-homeAndrew Hirsh2014-12-14T16:04:55-05:002014-12-14T16:04:55-05:00Roddy White Sets Franchise Touchdown Mark
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<p>The best receiver in Falcons history is now also the highest scoring non-kicker in the franchise's </p> <p>There are <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a> setting franchise marks nearly every week this season, and this time it's veteran wide receiver Roddy White setting a record.</p>
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<p>That was <span>Roddy White's</span> 62nd touchdown. He sets the franchise record for career touchdowns. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RiseUp?src=hash">#RiseUp</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PITvsATL?src=hash">#PITvsATL</a> <a href="http://t.co/2U0CJWgHAz">pic.twitter.com/2U0CJWgHAz</a></p>
— Atlanta_Falcons (@Atlanta_Falcons) <a href="https://twitter.com/Atlanta_Falcons/status/544228006869610496">December 14, 2014</a>
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<p>The 62nd touchdowns ensure White passes <span>Michael Turner</span> on the all-time list, and cements his status as one of the franchise's all-time greats. Roddy has the most receptions, receiving yards and now touchdowns in team history, and he will almost certainly own those marks until the end of <span>Julio Jones</span>' career, if not longer. He's one of the greats.</p>
<p>This mark doesn't take the sting out of the loss, but it is something we should take a little time to applaud. Congratulations, Roddy White, and may you build on that mark in the years ahead for Falcons teams who have winning records throughout the entire season.</p>
https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2014/12/14/7391067/roddy-white-sets-franchise-touchdown-mark-in-week-15Dave Choate2014-12-14T14:17:10-05:002014-12-14T14:17:10-05:00Jon Asamoah Exits Game
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<p>The Falcons may be missing their most reliable lineman for the rest of the game, if Asamoah's injury is significant.</p> <p>The Falcon offensive line had just started to gel, and now we may have an injury that jeopardizes all the good work done by the players and Mike Tice:</p>
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<p><span>Jon Asamoah</span> (back) questionable to returm.</p>
— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) <a href="https://twitter.com/vxmcclure23/status/544206989115797504">December 14, 2014</a>
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Asamoah had been an above average right guard all season, and he was the only lineman to start every game. Losing him would be a major blow, so we'll have to hope he returns after the half none the worse for wear. The alternative is that <span>Harland Gunn</span> and/or <span>Gabe Carimi</span> step in at right guard, and that's inarguably a downgrade for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a>.</p>
<p>Cross your fingers for Asamoah, who has been dealing with this back injury for a little while now.</p>
https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2014/12/14/7390683/jon-asamoah-injured-taken-to-locker-room-in-week-15Dave Choate2014-12-14T12:00:03-05:002014-12-14T12:00:03-05:00Falcons vs. Steelers Open Thread
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<p>The Falcons host the Steelers in what promises to be a high-</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a> are locked in tight divisional races at the moment, with each needing every possible win over the last three weeks to sew up a playoff spot. Given that both offenses are stellar and both defenses are scuffling, this promises to be a high-scoring, down-to-the-wire sort of game. With the stakes and the potential for lots of offense, this one ought to be fun to watch.</p>
<p>My hope is that the Falcons will be able to slow down the potent Steelers attack and get things going through the air in the Georgia Dome, perhaps forcing a couple of turnovers along the way. That's the best recipe for success against this Pittsburgh team, and a win here would certainly make the sledding easier for Atlanta as they head into two NFC South matchups in Weeks 16 and 17.</p>
<p>As always, use this as your open thread. Let's hope we're celebrating a win by mid-afternoon.</p>
<p><strong>GO FALCONS! </strong></p>
<h3>Falcons vs. Steelers Game Info</h3>
<p><strong>Game time: </strong>Sunday, December 14, 1 p.m. EST<br><strong>Location: </strong>Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia<br><strong>TV Channel: </strong>CBS<br><strong>Radio: </strong>92.9 the Game and 790 the Zone<br><strong>Odds: </strong><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/odds">Here</a><br><strong>Prediction:</strong> Falcons win by 3<br><strong>The Competition: </strong><a href="http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Behind the Steel Curtain</a><br><strong>Series Record: </strong>Steelers lead 12-2-1. Oof.</p>
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https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2014/12/14/7386039/falcons-vs-steelers-2014-game-breakdownDave Choate2014-12-14T10:26:25-05:002014-12-14T10:26:25-05:00Julio Jones Reportedly Out Vs. Steelers
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<p>Julio Jones will reportedly miss Week 15, impacting the Falcons passing game in what promises to be a shootout. </p> <p><span>Julio Jones</span> will reportedly miss today's game against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a>, per Vaughn McClure:</p>
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<p>Source with knowledge of the situation tells me Julio Jones (hip) is out.</p>
— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) <a href="https://twitter.com/vxmcclure23/status/544146786563391488">December 14, 2014</a>
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Jones didn't practice this week after suffering a hip injury late in Monday night's game against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Packers</a>, so my sense was that he was going to be a true game time call, if not an early scratch. We don't know who McClure's source is, but I'm willing to bet this report is accurate based on everything we've seen from Jones this week. I would wait for the official inactives to be sure, however.</p>
<p>Without Jones, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a> will still attempt to pass all day long against a mediocre Steelers secondary, but they'll need to lean heavily on <span>Roddy White</span> and <span>Harry Douglas</span> to get the job done.</p>
<p>If he doesn't play, the Falcons will have to hope Jones will be ready to go for a Super Dome matchup against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">Saints</a> in Week 16. Given the tear Julio was on over the last two games, when he set multiple franchise records, it's an obvious blow to the Falcons' passing game to not have him on the field. The only good news here is that Roddy and HD do tend to step up when called upon, which will be necessary for the Falcons to walk away with a win today at home in what promises to be a shootout.</p>
<p>William Moore may also miss today's game, per McClure:</p>
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<p>Still no definitive word on Julio Jones (hip), but William Moore not expected to play with what's believed to be a plantar fascia tear.</p>
— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) <a href="https://twitter.com/vxmcclure23/status/544132777717673984">December 14, 2014</a>
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<p>With Robert Alford, Moore and Jones potentially missing this game, it could potentially be one hell of an uphill climb for the Falcons. Let's hope the second half resilience and strength of the team shines through for four quarters today.</p>
<p>For fantasy footballers, consider placing White or Douglas in your lineup in place of Jones today, if you've got him. We'll all have our fingers crossed that Julio's back on the field in Week 16 and ready to wreak havoc again.</p>
<p>Your thoughts on the passing game without Julio?</p>
https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2014/12/14/7389865/julio-jones-out-with-injury-for-todays-falcons-steelers-game-perDave Choate