September 25, 2019
Recap by Allison Smith
Dave Archer was on with the Andy & Randy Show on 92.9 The Game’s Midday Show.
Former Falcon quarterback and now game announcer joined Andy Bunker and Randy McMichaels on Wednesday to talk about the last game and the next.
Archer was asked about fixing the penalties. Note the Falcons were penalized 16 times in the loss against Indianapolis. Archer commented that penalties are on the player. “The coach can tell you the techniques and try to show you in practice, but as a player you have to concentrate and focus on yourself.” As he noted, players know the rules, but have to do it and take ownership of your issues. Dan Quinn is bringing in referees this week to practice, but Archer mentioned this may not be overly affective. You can have some drills with refs watching and telling the players, checking hand placement on blocking, etc. It is difficult to simulate game day stress and action with the limits the NFL imposes on contact in practice. Something needs to change however, in 3 games, the Falcons have given up an average of 90 yards a game on 11 ½ penalties.
Archer did say that even with the zone defense this week, the defense did not play horribly. They were in position, just overall didn’t tackle well, giving up way to many yards after the catch. Again, with the ever changing NFL rules, no defensive backs want to tackle low as not to hurt themselves, or lead with the shoulder or head. You also cannot hit too high to the opposing team’s shoulder/head. Another thing difficult to simulate with limited contact in practice.
With Keanu Neal out for the season, Archer thinks it is likely that Kemal Ishmael will start at Safety, but as he is much bigger than Keke, he is also slower. Damontae Kazee will stay at Nickel. Jamal Carter was moved up from the practice squad so will likely be in and out throughout the day. He is quick and a hard hitter.
Archer commented that Devonta Freeman looked much better because the offensive line gave him the creases he needs in Indianapolis. Except for the fouls/holding penalties, the O line looked better and more coordinated and gave the running backs more room, and did not give up any sacks. Archer noted they needed to continue to give Free those cutback lanes. Rookie Kaleb McGary played the entire game and did a great job.
When asked who needs to step up…..Archer said the Falcons need more out of Isaiah Oliver, clearly no more fouls, but he is getting it and improving. The Falcons also need the edge players to take another step up. While playing better, need to make another jump this week. The Falcons can get in Tennessee quarterback Marcus Mariota ’s head. With pressure, Mariota can get down and rattled, but the Falcons want to ensure they don’t just push him out of the pocket, because he will run.
Archer referenced that Dirk Koetter admitted the offense needed to come out quicker with a faster tempo to start. But also, Quinn said the defense needed to come out and start faster. Today’s practice will begin with 1’s on 1’s to get them ready early.
Practice began with a light feel to it, will see how it goes today and Sunday, as they begin Tennessee game prep today.
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