Seattle 27/Atlanta 20
October 27, 2019
Article and Photos by Allison Smith
Stop me if you have heard this one before…..the Falcons are down at half and have to abandon the run game to come back in the second half. Once again, the Falcons, offense and defense, come out soaring in the second half, but again, were down too much to overcome.
After a great morning of meeting other Falcon fans and actually some nice Seahawks, and my weekly picture with Freddie, I headed into the stadium. The limited crowd still seemed rowdy as I headed to the Mercedes Benz dance cam and did my touchdown dance with Grady Jarrett and Vic Beasley, Jr. As I started to my seat, I was awarded the #1 fan of my section and given a Falcons prize. I feel like this is going to be a good game. Well…..then there was the game part.
The most annoying part was the fact that I had already resigned myself that we may not win another game this season, but the team still suckered me in with their fight and comeback, al biet, some in trash time. But you could definitely tell a difference in the first half vs. the second half. Again.
Russell Wilson is no Deshaun Watson, but he can escape and make some crazy things happen, which he did on Sunday. Near escapes for successful passes or massive runs on his own. The Seattle defense may no longer be the Legion of Boom, but they did manage to hold the Falcons to 20 points, had an interception, near interception (that would have been a pick six) 2 sacks, 7 quarterback hits, and forced and recovered 2 fumbles. The Falcons, well, they finally managed 2 sacks. Which was a major feat as they have not had a sack since the 3rd week of the season. As a total team, they have 7 sacks, 3 by Grady Jarrett who added to his total on Sunday.
The Falcons started with Damontae Kazee at Free Safety, Ricardo Allen at Strong Safety, Isaiah Oliver and Blidi Wreh-Wilson at the outside Cornerback spots, and Kendall Sheffield a the Nickel. The line was set up normally.
When Grady got the sack, for a 9 yard loss, forcing a punt, you would have thought we had won a game. Everyone knows how long it has been and Grady is so excitable, his celebration was infectious. The team did manage 4 hits on Wilson and some good pressure and near tackles or sacks, but alas, almost doesn’t count. Tyeler Davison had the other sack on the day and continued a good season on his part. Both Beasley and Takk McKinley were close several times and Takk did get hands on Wilson. There were literally only 3 tackles for loss on the day, Grady and Davison’s sacks, and one by Allen. The defense continues to allow teams to come to them.
On DK Metcalf’s 2 touchdowns, the Falcons defense was not set, they came out and quick snapped. The other was a communication error between two players. Even on the 3rd touchdown, the defense seemed confused. But also, the defense had 3 back to back to back 3 and outs. The first half and second half look completely different. Again.
On the bright side, Alex Mack, Kaleb McGary, Devonta Freeman, and Austin Hooper all had tackles. Maybe we are preparing to flip some of these guys to defense? Seriously, the offense and team have improved their penalties. Only 5 for 40 yards this week, and the OPI on Julio was complete BS, so I will tally 4 penalties. Holding or false starts, two by Mack, which normally is unusual, but becoming a habit this year. Is that because he is doing too much to make up for other offensive line deficiencies?
Matt Schaub did not appear to have lost a step since his last start in 2015. He was 39 of 52 for 460 yards….in the FALCONS LOSS. He did have an interception, but still a pretty good game for an old man. He spread the ball around to 7 receivers, including all 3 tight ends, who had big catches. Luke Stocker with an 18 yarder and Jaeden Graham with an 11 yarder. Sometimes the big guys aren’t just blockers or decoys. Naturally, Hooper had another good game catching 6 of the 7 passes thrown his way for 65 yards and a touchdown, and his biggest reception of 35 yards was mostly YAC. Freeman took most of the running duties, 13 carries for 39 yards, but also had 8 receptions for 63 yards, catching everything thrown his way. Free did fumble the ball trying to stretch across the goal line for a touchdown, but was on his back and not ruled down as the ball was knocked out.
Some people say that was the turning point/play of the game. Mine, was not. Schaub had a 20-yard pass to Julio Jones along the sideline. Instead of a first down, OPI was called on Julio, and the Falcons were backed up with a 1st and 20 at their own 35. The Falcons call a time out. There is no challenge or question on this call. This is when I lost my mind (the first time) and really questioned Dan Quinn’s thought process. That was not the only time on the day. After returning from the time out, Schaub throws an errant pass that was intercepted.
On the losing my mind and screaming things to the field topic…..I still do not understand calling time outs near the end of the half to help Seattle have time for their touchdown. I believe I suggested Pete Carroll load Dan Quinn on the plane to Seattle at that point. With a 4th and 1 on their own 34, the Falcons go for it. On their side of the field, the attempt two over 50-yard field goals. Then, at the end of the game, already wasted time outs through the second half. After the 2 minute warning, DQ has Schaub spike the ball and Bryant come on for a field goal, which still leaves the team in a 7 point deficit. Why not go for the touchdown first and worry about the field goal IF you get the ball back? Bad clock management and wasted time throughout the half left little time for the ultimate comeback. It is annoying to look that close, but Seattle was giving up more late than they had all game, knowing that time was running out for a comeback.
Julio Jones ended the game with 10 receptions and 152 yards while Calvin Ridley had 4 receptions for 70 yards. As mentioned, Russell Gage, Justin Hardy, and all 3 tight ends had receptions. It was obvious that Gage will be the air-apparent to the 3rd WR spot have 9 targets on the day.
Jarrett continues to get better every week, tallying 8 tackles, followed by De’Vondre Campbell at 7 – who leads the team in tackles and is #6 in the NFL. Kazee had 6. The up and coming Sheffield, Allen, and Beasley had 5 a-piece.
Punter, Kasey Redfern was released Monday after having 1 punt on Sunday. Currently, we have no punter. Quarterback Danny Etling was added to the practice squad, which makes you question Matt Ryan’s health, but he may be released again after the bye. Longtime kicker Matt Bryant was released after missing 2 over 50-yard field goals Sunday and replaced by Georgia Southern’s Younghoe Koo.
Injury Report:
· Matt Ryan is rehabbing well, should be ready to head to New Orleans for the November 10th game.
· John Cominsky left the game with a sprained ankle, hoping to be back after the bye.
Golden Talon:
· Grady Jarrett – Clearly he is going to get this every week. Closest to making plays, always moving and pushing the line back. Disruptive. Lead the team in tackles this week and got the first sack in 5 weeks.
· Kendall Sheffield – Really stepped up and playing well in Desmond Trufant’s open CB spot. Has had some really good coverage and still not being picked on as much as Oliver.
· Matt Schaub – Dude is 38 years old. Didn’t play a snap in 2017 and hasn’t started in 4 years. Lit the field on fire for 460 yards and had limited mistakes.
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