FalconAlley Football

Ju Being Ju, With a Side of Sanu

November 26, 2017

Tampa Bay 20 at Atlanta 34

Finally we see the Falcons we know and love. They came out aggressive, spreading the ball around, and getting Julio Jones involved. Also, breaking records. You know, being Falcons.

The game started off well enough. Ricardo Allen, who had no tackles the week before, leads the defense with the first tackle of the day, and continued to lead the team throughout the day. Ryan Fitzpatrick started with a pass to DeSean Jackson, for a first down, with the stop by Rico. Then they tried to run against Grady Jarrett. Gaining 6 and 4 yards, but running into Grady twice is likely not really winning. Then Fitzgerald ran for a first down and was clobbered by the defense. Near the Atlanta 41, the Bucs run up the middle again, into Grady again. Then the first of many familiar names, Jacquizz Rodgers has a quick 4-yard run. Another quick pass covered by Brian Poole. Then a 3^rd down pass in the end zone to Mike Evans that Desmond Trufant knocks out. The Buccaneers kick the field goal with Robert Alford rushing around the corner for the block. With just under 10 minutes to go in the first quarter, Tampa Bay leads 3/0. And that was the last time they would lead for the day.

Andre Roberts caught the kickoff at the goal line and ran out to the 26. Tevin Coleman gets the start again with Devonta Freeman out and started with a nice 5-yard run. Then, shockingly, an early pass to Taylor Gabriel for 4 yards, who meets former Falcon, Brent Grimes. With 1 yard to go, Matt Ryan keeps the ball and pushes through for the first down. A successful 8-yard pass to Austin Hooper, then a signal from Andy Levitre for Coleman to get behind him, for the push for the first down. After a low pass to Julio Jones, Coleman gains a quick 3 yards, then a pass down the left side to Julio along the sideline for another first down. A short pass drops just behind a crossing the field Julio, but Coleman makes up for that breaking tackles for a 10 yard gain, which is brought back by a Gabriel hold. A quick screen to Gabriel gains nothing (not sure when we will learn that is not a good play) but right back to Gabriel, Ryan buys time, stands in the middle of defenders and hits Gabriel for 13 yards, 2 short of the first down because of the holding call. Not to worry, Money Matt Bryant enters the field and easily kicks a 49-yard field goal with a few minutes to go in the quarter.

Quizz (Jacquizz Rodgers as us long time Falcons call him) returns the kickoff 26 yards and is stopped by the returning Duke Riley. Fitzgerald overthrows Evans, the defense collectively stuffs a Doug Martin run, then the FANS are so loud on 3^rd down, we cause a false start and get even louder. It’s 3^rd and 14 and with Dontari Poe in Fitzgerald’s face, he overthrows the receiver and a quick 3 and out forces a punt to the Falcons 23.

This quick drive starts off well with a Coleman 20-yard run, really turning up the speed. Then a pass is tipped to fall incomplete, overthrow of Hooper who doesn’t make the catch and suddenly Bosher is back on the field. Bosher has nice placement near the goal line, however CJ Goodwin cannot get to the ball in time to down it at the one.

The Buccaneers start on the 20 – my 20, so it is about to get loud. Adrian Clayborn and De’Vondre Campbell are swarming Fitzgerald and tip his pass. On their 3^rd down attempt, another errant pass that Brian Poole had his hands on, but hits the ground. Another forced 3 and out and a punt from the 10.

Roberts has an 18-yard return to give the Falcons the ball on the 40. A short Ryan past to Sanu gains 4 yards. Terron Ward goes off the right side and gains 5 yards, stopped by Grimes. THEN the play that will it will go down in the annals of football history. Sanu takes the direct snap, fakes the handoff, the ball pops up in the air, Sanu catches it and throws 51 yards to Julio Jones for the touchdown. Julio’s second touchdown of the season. Another successful 12 Gauge call (still think it should be called BeanCat). Julio catches the perfect pass between two defenders, rolls, pops up, then as the O comes to celebrate, he leads Red Light, Green Light…in the best celebration ever, even if no one told Ryan.

The defense, along with the entire Benz Nest, are fired up and force another 3 and out. A quick pass and quick stop by Rico, Tru, and Grady make the next quick stop. Suddenly it is 3 and 14 and Vic Beasley’s elbow tips the pass and another punt is forced. Brian Poole is shaken up on the series and is being evaluated on the sideline.

Jet Jones – LITERALLY Flying Over for the Touchdown. Photo Courtesy of Atlanta Falcons

Roberts gets a few yards on the return. Then Julio has a 20-yard reception. Then a 15-yard reverse to Julio. Coleman has a 6-yard, then 1-yard one off the left side. On 3^rd and 3, Ryan finds Sanu across the middle for yet another first down. Then Ryan decides he wants to pass for a Julio touchdown. Julio LITERALLY flies over the end zone cone for the touchdown. Only Ju. Jones sells the post, the defender commits to the inside, Ju turns out, Ryan has already released the ball and Julio catches it as he starts to fall out of bounds, but stretches the ball over the end zone cone first. Excellent offensive line blocking to give Ryan time.

The next Tampa Bay drive starts at the 17 after a Quizz return. Then we see a heavy dose of Quizz with limited success. The Bucs are able to move the ball most successfully because of a CJ Goodwin PI as he was closing guarding DeSean Jackson. Brian Poole has been ruled out for the rest of the game at this point and Trufant is playing inside at nickel. On a 3^rd and 3 with 2 minutes remaining in the half, Trufant makes a tackle along with Keanu Neal, who hits Trufant more than the downed receiver and Tru stumbles off the field. A few plays later Fitzgerald drops back and sees Clayborn easily throw the lineman aside (similar to a ragdoll being tossed) and closing and make an errant throw. His next pass is also incomplete as Clemson (Grady and Vic) are coming for him. Then he is hit as he releases his next pass to the end zone, which Rico knocks away and it fall incomplete and the Bucs settle for another field goal

Roberts brings the kick off out to the 23. The offense starts with a dose of Coleman for a nice 7 yards. Then, again, Julio for 22 yards, then it’s Ju, Sanu, Ju, until a ball is incomplete to Julio in the end zone, so with 10 seconds left, another successful field goal. So, at half time, the Falcons lead 20 to 6 and everyone is feeling good.

Meanwhile, at half time, Arrow star, Stephen Amell comments that Mohamed Sanu is a better quarterback than any Cleveland quarterback in the last 10 years. I love that Stephen Amell is even aware of our game.

The Falcons offense comes out on fire. Opening up with a 23-yard pass to Julio. A 5-yard run by Coleman. Then a loss by Coleman, but immediately followed up by another 25 yards to Sanu, who knocks the defender back off of him. Then Hooper gets a 20-yard reception. Then Coleman has two back to back runs, the first a break out for 9 yards behind a big Andy Levitre block, then a 3-yard, hard fought touchdown run behind a Wes Schweitzer block. Coleman comes up celebrating with carrying a baby in honor of his twins born on Saturday.

In 9 plays for 78 yards, the Falcons take a 27-6 lead. Meanwhile we find out that Poole is out for the game and Trufant is headed back to the locker room to be further evaluated after the Neal hit. Doug Martin for the Buccaneers is also ruled out for the rest of the game.

Fitzgerald finds a wide open Evans for 20 yards and is immediately stopped by Rocky. At their own 45, the Bucs try a run and are met by Derrick Shelby, Poe, and Grady for no yards. Fitzgerald throws a bad pass, and Rocky is called for holding, only a 5-yard penalty. Fitzgerald throws a bullet down thru the middle of the field moving the Bucs to the 33-yard line. A few plays later, Rico sees something, calls for different personnel that cannot get on and off the field in time causing a time out. Due to injuries, Rico is playing corner and rookie Damontae Kazee at inside free safety. This is the flexibility that Coach Quinn is always talking about. However, it starts a little rocky and the Bucs are able to rush for a touchdown to reduce the Falcons lead to 27/13 late in the 3^rd quarter.

Roberts has another good return, up to the 35, where an ankle tackle saves him from a likely touchdown return. After Terron Ward loses a yard on the right side, Ryan has a behind the line pass to Julio, for a first down. Then a pass down the right side to Julio, for a first down. Coleman has back to back successful runs, up the middle, then spinning up the middle on the left side. After a 6-yard pass to Sanu, the Falcons are forced to punt.

Quizz has a return up to the 44 with Neal chasing him down. Then, likely feeling bad about knocking Tru out of the game, Neal nearly gets an interception. Fitzgerald runs up the middle for 21 yards and slides, likely saving his life as the defense was swarming to him.

As the 4^th quarter begins, the Bucs continue another touchdown drive. Moving within 7 points of the Falcons.

Roberts gives the offense the ball at the 22. Ryan starts out with a look at Gabriel, then as Julio crosses the field, catches the pass on the run for a 44 yard reception and electrifying the crowd again. A failed pass to Hooper, then a 2-yard Coleman run, then back to Julio for another first down at the 23. Then Ward bullets up the middle for 9 yards, heading for an easy touchdown, as a defender from behind rips the ball loose. And of course, Grimes is there to recover the fumble and return it to the 42 where he is chased down by Ryan Schraeder.

Then in true Brotherhood form, the defense stands up to help out the offense. Fitzgerald takes the Bucs quickly down the field, with quick passes to avoid Takk McKinley coming at him. A quick run up the middle, then on the next pass, TAKK meets Fitz for the sack and lays him out. Then does 10 push-ups. Near the 20, Fitzgerald throws incomplete to the end zone, then on 3^rd and 2, the crowd (me included) causes a time out. Next play, if you are an Atlantan, you will get this, Rico MARTA busses the receiver. Poe lays Fitzgerald out as he throws to the end zone where Keanu defends the pass perfectly, forcing a 4^th down. Rico knocks the ball out of the receiver’s hands before it is declared a catch.

Defense Swarming – Photo by Allison Smith

The Falcons take over and go back to their routine. Julio, Sanu, Sanu, Coleman run. Once again, while being knocked around Julio makes another Julio type catch, shakes the tackles and gets another 23 yards. Tampa Bay begins taking their time outs as Coleman grinds out yards, carrying numerous defenders with him for 8 yards. Ward gets the ball again, gets 1 yard, the pushes and earns 13 more yards on his own and jumps up excited. Just after the 2-minute warning, Coleman runs in a 14-yard touchdown and cradles the second baby to ensure both of his twins got touchdowns in their honor today.

In prevent defense, the Falcons allow the Buccaneers to easily move down the field, nearing the 35 and a 4^th and 10, Rocky stops the receiver just short of the first down marker and the clock runs out.

What a great team win. Offense lit it up. Defense was pretty consistent, even with the injuries. Special teams has been straightened out. With the New Orleans Saints losing, the NFC South is getting a little closer, and if the Falcons do their job, we may very well take it….again…..

Injury Report: Devonta Freeman continues concussion protocol and will be evaluated as the week progresses. Desmond Trufant will be out against Minnesota in concussion protocol. Brian Poole’s back injury is ok and is expected to play. Note that Jalen Collins came off of suspension last week and was released from the Falcons, so they are not looking to bring him in to step in for Tru like last season.

Iron Falcon: Obviously goes to Julio Jones who had 253 yards on 12 receptions and 2 touchdowns. Then, also, Mohamed Sanu, not only for perfecting the 12 Gauge, but receiving 8 passes for 64 yards and converting several 3^rd downs.

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#RiseUp

FalconAlley Owt

Even 12 Men Can’t Beat the Falcons

Atlanta 34 at Seattle 31

When you take the opening kickoff back 50 yards, you know this game is going to be lit. Well, as lit as an Atlanta Falcons game will get when it goes to the wire….again. But a good start no doubt. Andre Roberts gave the offense excellent starting field position and they used it. The first pass is a drop by Julio Jones. Then Tevin Coleman has a good 5-yard run. Justin Hardy ensured a 9-yard catch on a low pass by Matt Ryan but going to the ground and getting under the ball for a great catch, then follows that up with a 7-yard sideline catch. Then, early in the game, trickery begins. Mohamed Sanu and the 12 Gauge up the middle for 3 yards. Ryan goes right back to Sanu for the touchdown, which results in an incomplete pass with a Pass Interference call, so moves the ball to the 1-foot line. Then behind Dontari Poe and Ben Garland, Coleman easily goes in for the 1-yard touchdown. With 3 minutes off the clock, the Falcons are already on the board.

The ensuing kickoff tells you how the kicking game is going to go all day. Matt Bosher, nursing an ankle injury, kicks off and the Seattle Seahawks’ Tyler Lockett takes the kick back 57 yards. Bosher did lay a hit out on Lockett to slow him down before Desmond Trufant knocked him out of bounds. Vic Beasley and company are in the backfield as Russell Wilson quickly gets a pass off to Lockett for a 9-yard game before Deion Jones (who else) makes the first tackle for the Falcons defense. On a reverse pivot, Wilson releases the ball, a little behind Lockett and it hits Trufant in the chest, surprises him a little, but he gathers the ball in for the interception and returns it 44 yards, behind the excellent blocking of Beasley. Credit to Wilson for the tackle.

Ryan and company come back to the field and he lobs up a high pass for Jones, who, naturally, in double coverage, leaps up and comes down with both feet in on the sideline for a 16-yard gain. Coleman has a short run, insert the same plan as the first possession with a successful pass to Hardy, for a first down. At the 5-yard line, a low, errant pass is tipped and at least 5 Seahawk defenders tipped the ball before it finally fell to the ground. After a time out to recoop their thoughts, Coleman gets a couple of yards rushing, then Bean Talk. Sanu makes the one handed over a defender catch in the corner of the end zone look easy. Now, midway through the first quarter, the Falcons are up 14/0.

112017 Sanu — Mohamed Sanu Making a Big One Handed Catch – Photo Courtesy of Atlanta Falcons

Back to the kicking game. Bosher hits the end zone, but Lockett brings it out to the 35-yard line. Once again, Bosher is in on the tackle with the assist going to Robert Alford. Some quick passes by Wilson, runs by Mike Davis, and a tripping penalty on the Falcons helps move the Seahawks down the field. Keanu Neal is taken off the field after one of those Keanu hits and is evaluated for a concussion. J.D. McKissic runs for 6 yards and is stopped by Damontae Kazee. Three Falcons are covering Doug Baldwin in the end zone causing a 3^rd and 4. Wilson gets chased back out of the pocket, Grady Jarrett is held and gets the penalty call. Then the tripping penalty moves the Seahawks back down the field and on a 2^nd and 3, Wilson finds Jimmy Graham in the end zone where he leaps and catches over De’Vondre Campbell for their first touchdown of the game.

The next Falcon drive was lack lustered, 7 plays, incomplete passes, penalties on both sides, and another Bosher punt to start the 2^nd quarter. The Seahawks started on their own 23. Then because of Poe, they were at the 20. THEN because of a combined defensive line unit, they did not have the ball. On 2^nd and 13, Takk McKinley busted through the line, and falling was able to pull Wilson down from behind. Meanwhile, Courtney Upshaw slides over Wilson knocking the ball out, and who was right there for the scoop and score? Adrian Clayborn. He may not have gotten the sack, but he did get the touchdown. Now, with 14:04 left to go in the 2^nd quarter, it is 21/7 Falcons!

Once again, on the ensuing kickoff, Lockett has a big return and is stopped at the 39 by Kazee. The pressure continued through this drive. Wilson completed passes to Baldwin and Davis, with Trufant and Poole in coveraged, and Poe and Clayborn forcing even quicker throws. Driving deep inside the Falcons’ territory, the Tigers combine with Beasley chasing Wilson and Jarrett reaching him as he lobs a ball out of bounds. Neal has returned to the field and stopped Davis at the line of scrimmage. At 2^nd and goal McKissick and Graham are both in with no backs. Brooks Reed is chasing the scrambling Wilson, while Clayborn reaches him and again, Jarrett hits/taps him as he releases the pass. Then one of the most memorable defensive plays of the day. It is 3^rd and goal from the 2, big Jimmy Graham gets the pass and thinks he has an easy run in to the end zone. Instead, he meets an unmovable force in Keanu Neal. Neal crosses the end zone, circles around Alford and a receiver and hits Graham so hard at the goal line, Graham is knocked back out to the 1. There is an offensive holding call that moves the ball back to the 12. Wilson is now running for his life. Clayborn and Beasley both nearly sack him and as he lets the errant pass go, Jarrett is shoving him in the chest. The Seahawks settle for a field goal.

Just when you think the momentum is fully on the Falcons side, the turn over, the big stop and forced field goal. Now, the special teams strikes again. The Seahawks have a short kick, which bounces right past Roberts, who then touches it, Seattle recovers and have the ball at the 11. The defense trots immediately back on the field. The d steps up again, knocking the first pass out of Baldwin’s hands. Beasley trips Davis to slow him down for Trufant to make the stop. Neal and Poole combine to stop Graham at the goal line again. 1^st and goal at the 1, takes them 4 tries, and the D stands up, until Seattle takes a time out, comes up with a perfect blocking scheme and Wilson walks in for the touchdown.

The next kickoff, the Falcons special teams was a little more prepared. Ben Garland received the kickoff and returned it 11 yards. The first play is a beautiful pass to Sanu, who is shoved out of bounds before the ball arrives. He gets the PI and the ball is moved up 16 yards. Then the collapse begins. Eric Saubert has a false start, moving the ball back. Coleman has a 4-yard run, then on a pitch back is stopped behind the line of scrimmage. Coleman then has a nice 15-yard pass, gaining most of those yards after the catch behind a good Hooper block. Sanu catches a big 21-yard pass at the 21 as the 2 minute warning comes. Unfortunately, the Falcons could not continue the quick movement and settled for a 44-yard Matt Bryant field goal.

Grady Jarrett Does Not Bite on Fake Punt

Now, for the craziest drive of the game. Again, Bosher kicks off to the 2 and Lockett runs it out to the 41 where he is met by Kemal Ishmael. With 58 seconds on the clock, Wilson has quick passes to Graham for a 4-yard gain, out jukes Beasley for a big first down. Throws to McKissic in the end zone where Jones has perfect coverage and as McKissic’s hands went up, so did Jones’ and his finger tips knocked the ball out of alignment. Wilson overthrows Graham, then scrambling, way back in the backfield gets hit by Takk as he releases the ball, but Richardson did not have the first down. The field goal team comes on, they try the fake, but Jarrett sniffs it out, picks Luke Willson up, spins him around and lays him down for a 4-yard loss.

The teams go in for half time with the Falcons leading 24 to 17. Life is good.

The second half began with a Bosher kick and a return only to the 28, so that was a half time improvement. Wilson starts with a high pass to Thompson which Alford knocks out. Everyone is applying such great pressure to Wilson that he has a fake handoff to Davis, then throws a screen to Davis who gains 21 yards. On a 24-yard pass to Richardson that is tightly defended by Alford, he is called for the PI. Next play, Alford has a good pass knocked out. Then on 2^nd and 4….here comes Grady!!! He slaps the hands of the right guard as he goes past for an 8-yard sack. After a short pass to McKissic, Seattle settles for another field goal.

Once again, just when you think the momentum is going one way, it flips to the other team. In 8 plays and under 4 minutes, the Falcons score another touchdown, on a 25-yard pass to a wide open Levine Toilolo. Ryan showed his scrambling ability by running and sliding for a 14-yard gain, with former Falcon Dwight Freeney in hot pursuit. Earl Thomas was called for a hit on a defenseless player, so the Falcons got the touchdown and an extra 15 yards on the upcoming kickoff.

Bosher kicks it out of the end zone. Immediately, Wilson connects with a wide-open Richardson for an 18-yard gain. Then fakes it to Lacy and runs 17 yards himself, as Campbell slips on the wet field. McKissic meets Takk again after a 4-yard gain. Takk almost gets to Wilson, while Beasley gets his hands on Wilson, meanwhile there is also an offensive holding penalty on the play. The D is really roughing up the offensive line. Clayborn, on a mission chases the elusive Wilson, who escapes his grip twice. Wilson outurns Jarrett and Beasley and slides out of bounds at the first down marker. The 1^st and 10 has Wilson scrambling and over throwing Willson. Then 2^nd and 10 has the pocket collapse with Ishmael and Derrick Shelby combining for a 12-yard loss. After another perfect Alford defended pass, Seattle settles for a 46-yard field goal.

The 3^rd quarter ends with the first pass of the day to Taylor Gabriel, Coleman with a 5-yard stutter run, and a 7-yard reception by single covered Jones. Terron Ward has a first down catch then 9-yard run to open the 4^thquarter. Then the typical 4^th quarter meltdown begins. A side throw for 2 yards to TE Hooper, a false start by Andy Levitre, a short 5-yard pass to Gabriel leads to a 4^th and 13 and a punt. Good news, the punt was fair caught.

The defense causes a quick 3 and out when Baldwin did not catch the 3^rd down pass. Seattle challenged the play and lost a time out.

The Falcons quickly drive back down the field on the backs of Coleman and Ward, both earning their pay with stiff arms, breaking tackles. With a 3^rd and goal, Coleman spins off the stacked up offensive line to the end zone. It is reviewed by the officials and determined that he was 6 inches short. Bryant makes yet another field goal.

Under 4 minutes to go in the game, the Falcons are up 34/23. Yet, the game is not safe with Russell Wilson on the other side. In a few plays, Wilson runs for a first down, finds Graham across the middle, McKissic shows off his running skills, and with the help of an accidental hit out of bounds penalty, Wilson finds Baldwin wide open in the end zone. Then Graham has an easy 2-point conversion in the corner of the end zone.

Now there are 3 minutes remaining, and the Falcons have a 3-point lead. They prepare for the onsides kick with the hands team up, but Seattle kicks it deep to Roberts. Coleman comes blasting up the left side behind FB Derrick Coleman. Then T. Coleman is tripped up behind the line. Immediately following the 2 minute warning, Wes Schwietzer gives up a big sack forcing another Bosher punt.

The punt is short, but bounces and the coverage team is there and Marvin Hall lays Lockett out. There was also an offensive holding penalty to back Seattle up a little more for their final stand. Trying to not give up the big play, the defense has a 3-man rush through the rest of the game. Graham gets 11 yards, Clayborn hits Wilson as he throws an air ball that is nearly hauled in by Poole. Then, Clayborn runs up causing Beasley to jump and give the Seahawks a free play. Trufant blocks a pass intended for Graham, then Wilson scrambles for another first down. With time dwindling, Wilson has an 8-yard toss to Richardson who is tackled by Alford and Neal, who try to wrestle the ball away. Since the Seahawks are out of time outs, Wilson has to spike the ball at the 34 with 7 seconds remaining on the clock. Blair Walsh attempts a 52-yard field goal, which falls a few feet short and the game is over. The Falcons have won and moved into 6^th place in the NFC.

Injury News: Keanu Neal left the game temporarily, was evaluated and returned at least 98% as he was continuing to lay out Keanu type hits. Late in the game, Brian Poole was shaken and slow to get up, but was fine by Tuesday. Devonta Freeman remains in concussion protocol. Matt Bosher’s ankle caused him to miss practice on Wednesday.

Iron Falcon: Grady Jarrett ended with 2 tackles and a sack on the day, however, Jarrett was hugely effective once again. He was close or hitting Russell Wilson all day, causing errant or quick throws. Jarrett is the fastest 305 pounder you will see, is smart and quick to think and spot what is happening in front of him. And remember his sniffing out the fake field goal before the half. It was not merely a stop of Seattle getting the first down, but a complete read of the situation and stuffing the runner for a huge loss. And, huge boost going into half time.

#RiseUp

FalconAlley Owt

Falcons Team Rolls Cowboys

November 15, 2017

Dallas at Atlanta

The defense continues to run on all cylinders and getting hotter. Similar to last year, the later in the season it goes, the better the defense plays. Clearly, the standout for the game was Adrian Clayborn and his 6 sacks and 2 forced fumbles. Clayborn surpassed the great Chuck Smith and legendary Claude Humphrey who both had 5 sacks in a single game. Only Derrick Thomas has more sacks in a game. Claybo was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week.

111217 Sack — Claybo on Dak – Photo Credit: Atlanta Falcons

And the best, not only on the sideline, but in the locker room after the game, Clayborn just looked like he had an average tackling or blocking game. His team, especially the defense was out of control excited for him. Literally jumping on him after his 6^th sack. In Coach Quinn’s locker room recap, he rattled off some stats, said, “Guess that is about it for the day” and the entire locker room started yelling “AC AC AC.” What a truly great brotherhood.

But what about the rest of the defense? Well, second year, fourth rounder, De’Vondre Campbell amassed 11 tackles. Talk about stepping up. Campbell has made great strides all season, covering top tight ends, defending the run, making life hard on quarterbacks.

This was truly a defensive win and Claybo would be the first to say so. This physical unit contributed to Clayborn’s sacks. Desmond Trufant and Campbell were covering and knocking receivers off their marks. Keanu Neal was a huge factor on the run this week. Everyone was sticking to their assignments, forcing Dak Prescott to run and covering so well he was holding the ball too long.

Neal had 5 tackles, while team leader in tackles, Deion Jones only had 4 tackles Sunday. Takk McKinley, Brian Poole, and Brooks Reed had 3 tackles a piece, Takk also had a fumble recovery and Brooks a sack of his own. Dontari Poe also had a sack, and as usual, he and Grady Jarrett were disruptive in the backfield, including causing a few actual called holding penalties. Sean Weatherspoon is back and contributing, while only logging a single tackle on the day, Spoon was running around, looking fast and affective.

Dallas has allowed 10 sacks all season, but they “allowed” 8 in the Benz Nest. Of the 59 defensive plays, 21 went for 0 or negative yards. They had 10 quarterback hits (besides all the sacks). Poe jumped in as the most un-stereotypical fullback.

Then, there is the offensive line. They do not get the same accolades as the defense. Alex Mack, is, well, Alex Mack. No complaints there. Jake Matthews allows, maybe even helps take down Matt Ryan as the Dallas defender rolls up on Ryan’s leg, forcing a third down. Then, after a time out, Ryan Schraeder allows a big sack. This offensive line held up Sunday, actually limited holding calls, but needs to get much better to keep Ryan on the field and healthy and create running lanes for Tevin Coleman, Devonta Freeman, and now Terron Ward. We need to replace a couple of these guys with Dontari Poe and Ben Garland. But that is none of my business.

The offensive stars played well and looked to be in a good (2016) rhythm with Ryan passing to 7 different receivers, two having receiving touchdowns. Taylor Gabriel was actually targeted this week with 3 receptions for 58 yards, and 1 impactful rush of 15 yards. Julio Jones had 6 catches for 57 yards, followed by Austin Hooper with 6 receptions, including back to back catches leading to a touchdown.

111217 Justin Hardy TD — Justin Hardy Touchdown – Photo Credit Atlanta Falcons

Mohamed Sanu had an awesome day blocking downfield and making other plays possible, but also caught 3 balls for 29 yards, and of course had the tip for an interception. Note, Sanu was being tackled for the no call PI, and made the tackle to stop the Dallas defender. Levine Toilolo and Coleman also had a catch a piece, while Justin Hardy had 2 catches, one for a fabulous back of the goal line touchdown. Prior to Sunday, Hardy had 10 catches the whole season.

Devonta Freeman went out after 2 plays with a concussion, which may have fired up the other running backs to compete in his stead. Coleman had 20 rushes for 83 yards and a touchdown, behind Poe and Garland. Ward had 9 rushes for 23 yards and a break out of 17 yards.

The offense was 7 of 11 on third down, most of the non-conversions were late in the game. The Falcons went 3 of 4 in the red zone and ended overall +1 in the turnover margin.

And then, there is Matt Ryan. He was 22 of 29 for 215 yards and 2 touchdown passes. He is also the fastest quarterback to pass for 40,000 yards….only his 151^st start. Ryan not elite??? It took Drew Brees 152 games and Dan Marino 153 games, and Ice was over 40,000 early in the 3^rd quarter. Also, Ryan moves into 19^th overall in yards behind Joe Montana and Johnny Unitas…and just ahead of Aaron Rodgers. Ryan also has at least one touchdown pass in 28 straight games, a first in Falcons history.

Finally, we are convinced that the Falcons have their groove back. Hopefully, it is not too late with the 3^rd best record in the NFC South. We still get to play the Saints twice and the Panthers once more, but here’s hoping that this week was the official turnaround of the season and not just a great home win.

Shout out to the crowd, as Prescott noted that the crowd noise was making it difficult to hear during parts of the game.

#RiseUp

FalconAlley Owt

Welcome To The Claybo Sack Show

November 12, 2017

Dallas 7 at Atlanta 27

By Allison Smith
So, the game starts as usual. Off-setting penalties, then an exciting interception by the little heard from this season Desmond Trufant, but that is overturned due to a defensive penalty. So early, you already know how the game is going to go. But wait, the headline makes it sound like a better than average Falcon game. And it lived up to the hype.

Sean Weatherspoon is back and starting again. Trufant seemed already on his game like the Tru of 2016. Rookie Takk McKinley has several tackles for a loss in the first series, so Takk is coming in to his own as well now. We all know the defense has been doing their job this season, missing some tackles, but playing so much in the game, tiring out by the end.

Then, the storyline of the day, that you don’t know is the storyline this early. Adrian Clayborn, who has definitely returned healthy this season, has a sack, for a big loss and to cause a long 3^rd down. On the 3^rd down play, Claybo hits Dak Prescott as he releases the ball, that goes into the ground. The Cowboys punt and the Falcons begin their opening drive on their own 15.

After 2 hapless Devonta Freeman runs, the referee steps in noticing that Free is wobbly, but not mentioning anything to the team – as is Free’s normal. We now know that Freeman already has a concussion on the season, and he did not play again on the day. On the next play, the Cowboys defender, hugging Mohammad Sanu, tips the pass which is intercepted by another Cowboy, giving them the ball on the 21-yard line. I think this is when I tossed down my 3^rd drink of the day.

The Cowboys take over and the first pass was tipped by Deion Jones and could have been intercepted by Ricardo Allen, as he was reading Prescott’s eyes very well. A couple of plays later, Prescott, running for his life from Takk, while the receivers were covered, runs in for the touchdown. The good news is, now, we know that is the only score for the Cowboys.

The first play of the 2^nd offensive drive for the Falcons is a pass to Julio Jones. Catching, in typical Ju form, double covered and still hauling in the pass. Then, Matt Ryan begins the 2016 campaign of spreading the ball around. Mohamed Sanu, Austin Hooper, Tevin Coleman running. Maybe Freeman coming off the field inspired the offense to step up. This drive stalled and required a Matt Bryant 50-yard field goal, so guess his injury from the previous week is as good as healed. At the end of the first quarter, the Cowboys lead 7-3.

The defense was really making it difficult for the Dallas O all day. On a long 3^rd down, Prescott begins to run again and is met by, Claybo, yet again behind the line of scrimmage, for the 2^nd sack of the day. The Cowboys set up to punt, but instead attempt a pass, which was called back due to offensive pass interference and end up punting anyway. Back at the 42, Chris Jones punts the ball, that again Andre Roberts lets go over his head, where a Cowboy is already standing to down the ball and the offense gets to start yet another drive from their own 2.

An immediate pass to Julio at the 12 for a first down shows that Offensive Coordinator Steve Sarkisian has finally found the good play book that has been hidden away. Again, spreading the ball out to Coleman, Sanu, and Levine Toilolo. After a time out, clearly a confused offense, Demarcus Lawrence easily shoves by Ryan Schraeder to sack Matt Ryan forcing a 4^th down punt.

The Cowboys start at midfield due to a good punt return, but the defense stands up, forces loss of yards. Then, not wanting to be outdone, Dontari Poe comes over from the right side and lays Prescott out.

Taylor Gabriel starts the next drive on a misdirection handoff and a good Toilolo block, Turbo gains 15 yards. Then Jake Matthews has a penalty that negates the clobbering Ryan took because Schweitzer allowed two defenders easily by him. Coleman finally has a good run that gets additional yards based on being tackled by his helmet. Sanu sets up the defender, sets the angle for Ryan, who double clutches to see when Sanu is ready and makes a big catch leading into the 2-minute warning. Now, at the 15 with Terron Ward in the backfield, Ward runs up the middle for a couple of yards. Guess we should be happy Ward was even active this week with the injury to Freeman. Gabriel is hugged and stopped from getting to the end zone pass. With the pass interference penalty, the ball is moved to the 2.

Now, the fun begins. Dontari Poe is in at full back….now THAT is a FULL back. Also, Ben Garland is in on the line finally. Julio and Gabriel are both on the sideline, in case you think this is going to be a big pass play. This time, Poe makes a big enough hole and Coleman pushes in for the touchdown. Meanwhile, Garland has also moved his guys into the end zone as well. If anyone wants my improved line up suggestions.

With a minute and a half to go, the Cowboys come out trying with big play attempts. Trufant nearly gets an interception. The next play, the entire defensive line nearly gets a sack, but the elusive Prescott manages to escape and make it to the sideline for a first down. Flushed out again, Vic Beasley chases Prescott down for a 2-yard gain. With Zeke Elliot out, apparently Prescott is the only runner and runs again for a first down. Jason Whitten is finally targeted for a 6-yard reception and is pushed out by De’Vondre Campbell. While still at midfield, Claybo sacks Prescott again, not even forcing a fumble, but stripping the ball out of Dak’s arms before allowing him to go to the ground. Grady Jarrett’s arm was on Prescott’s back too, so there was not going to be any escape.

With only a few seconds going into the half and being near midfield, Ryan lobs it up a couple of times to no avail. Going into half time with the 10/7 lead.

111217 Tevin run — Tevin Coleman Making Up for the Freeman Injury – Photo Credit: Atlanta Falcons

We start the second half by lighting it up. A huge run by Coleman and 26-yard reception by Jones on the sideline quickly get the Falcons into Cowboys territory. Then a big catch by Hooper is negated by a block in the back by Toilolo. Gabriel, having his most targets of the season, makes an incredible catch down the middle after escaping coverage and sets the O up at the 8 with a first down. Ryan, while being tackled, gets a pass to Julio who is being covered by 3 defenders. Then, Justin Hardy makes a great move to escape the coverage, runs along the back of the end zone and gives Ryan the perfect touchdown target.

The Cowboys come out working the run pretty well for a couple of first downs. Clayborn and Jarrett were closing, but Prescott is getting rid of the ball much quicker now. Down in the red zone, Prescott drops back and has no clue that Clayborn has now left his feet and is about to land on him, for Claybo’s 4^th sack of the day…so far….and a loss of 7 yards. Campbell causes a loss of 2 on the next play. On 3^rd down, they cannot get back to the line of scrimmage. The 38-yard field goal attempt dings the upright and falls out to the right.

111217 Turbo — Turbo Showing His Speed Photo Credit: Atlanta Falcons

After taking over and a few short plays, Gabriel, with inside leverage, catches a 34-yarder across the middle, turns on his Turbo speed and goes. Coleman gets a first down along the left sideline. Down at the 15 with a first down, the 3^rd quarter ends. Hooper gets to the 1-foot line. Poe is back in at fullback, then on play action, Hooper gets the 1-yard touchdown reception.

After a 2 yard loss caused by Deion Jones, an errant pass, it’s 3^rd down….Claybo and Dak get together again. This forces a punt from deep in Dallas territory, giving the Falcons the ball back near midfield. Both Coleman and Ward blasting out big runs have the Falcons quickly in the red zone again. Unfortunately, all the Falcons could manage was another successful field goal and the game is set at 27/7.

Really late in the game, Whitten final gets another big pass to move the Cowboys to the 35-yard line. The next play is another errant pass based on a quick throw because of Clayborn swarming close. In the annoying prevent defense, the Cowboys continue to drive down the field. Clayborn almost has another sack, but falls/gets tripped. Robert Alford and Trufant had great coverage of Dez Bryant all day. With 3^rd and 6 at the 20, Prescott is scrambling with Beasley and Clayborn on his heels. With just over 4 minutes to go, the Cowboys have to go for it on 4^th down. Not to be forgotten for his early season game winning sack, Brooks Reed sacks Prescott, deep in the backfield, closely flanked by Beasley and Jarrett. While, on the same play, there was offensive holding, which must have been the only thing keeping Clayborn for being back there too.

The next Falcon drive goes for nothing with runs up the middle and the Cowboy defense standing up, trying to get the ball back for their offense. Little did they know what that would entail.

The 2^nd play in the Cowboys final drive, Clayborn strip sacks Prescott. Completely in the backfield, way behind Prescott, Clayborn knocks the ball out, Takk and Jarrett both see the loose ball and head for it, where Takk recovers the fumble, giving the Falcons offense the ball back. Claybo is then attacked by Reed, Rocky, Debo, all jumping on him in celebration. He smiles, walks over to the sideline like, “Another day another dollar.”

Dallas had utilized all of their time outs, Atlanta ran out the clock and the Falcons are officially back on track. We hope.

Injury Report: Devonta Freeman, concussion, no updates yet. Not yet ruled out against Seattle, but I would suggest unlikely.

Iron Falcon: Obviously, Adrian Clayborn defensively. Claybo passes the great Chuck Smith and legend Claude Humphrey who both tallied 5 sacks in a single game. Clayborn’s 6 sacks not only set a Falcon record, but clearly took the Cowboys out of their passing game and without the running of Zeke Elliott, Prescott was left to run or pass really quick himself.

#RiseUp

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In The Wind and The Rain, The Falcons Deliver a Win

October 29, 2017

Atlanta 25 / New York 20

By: Allison Smith

A much needed win at that, as they head into NFC South play next week, heading up to Carolina, but still remain in 3^rd place, behind Carolina and New Orleans.

I’ve seen prettier games, but a W is a W and I will take any win after 3 straight bad losses. Once again, the offense was not efficient in either the red zone or third down conversions, but they did enough to get the win. The playing time was nearly even this week, the Falcons offense being on the field 28 minutes, so the defense could get finally get some rest between outings. Of the 6 trips into the red zone, the Falcons had 2 touchdowns and 4 field goals. They were 4 of 15 on 3^rd down conversions.

The offense did at least take some shots downfield and were more creative in play calling than previous weeks. They had 32 runs and 29 passes, so pretty even, finally, on play calling and could actually set up the play action. Of course, after the 4^th fumbled exchange from Alex Mack to Matt Ryan, they did move to the shotgun. Their opening possession consisted of the first 5 passes to the tight ends, who had 9 of the 29 targets on the game. Much of the rest of the game, they started with a run on first down, and Freeman or Coleman got good yardage to set up manageable 2^nd and 3^rd downs.

The Falcons offense’s only turn overs this week were on 2 of the 4 mishandled snaps from Mack to Ryan. Which was, obviously, caused by the weather. Every time, Mack and Ryan would be over on the sideline trying to work out their issues. Finally, they determined they needed to go to the shotgun and not worry about additional turnovers. A few dropped balls, mostly caused by the weather as well, but the passing overall was better and not overly affected by the rain or wind.

Head Coach Dan Quinn said last week there would be extra time spent on 3^rd downs – on both sides, as well as the red zone efficiency. The defense must have paid attention. They held the Jets to only 5 of 15 successful third down conversions. The Jets had 2 yards per carry and 5 negative plays and finished with only 43 rushing yards. The Falcons defense really controlled the line of scrimmage and forced the Jets to throw the ball in the bad weather. Of course, Grady Jarrett and Dontari Poe were getting some great pressure up the middle. It was noted that Grady is taking it personally that teams want to run against him.

With Duke Riley out, Kemal Ishmael has really stepped up and shown his versatility. Ish has been playing on special teams and making an impact, including recovering a fumble today. Now, Ish is in for Riley at linebacker and definitely making his presence known there as well, with 8 solo tackles and 5 assists. Only one significant penalty today, a PI on Ricardo Allen that provided a big first down that led to a touchdown, but at least it didn’t reverse a turnover. Glass half full?!? Of the FOUR fumbled snaps, two were recovered by the Jets and the Falcons defense only gave up 3 points on short yardage. The average starting position of the Jets’ offense was the 48….always short yardage for the D to defend.

Vic Beasley, Jr was giving the Jets left tackle trouble, Jarrett caused at least one offensive hold, and Adrian Clayborn was destroying the line all day. Takk McKinley got his first strip sack of his rookie career. The addition of Ahtyba Rubin (in replacement of IR Jack Crawford) has been a big help as he is very active and brings a similar demeanor to the defensive line and had 2 tackles against the Jets.

You know if DQ was talking to the O and D about “mishaps,” that Special Teams coach, Keith Armstrong, lit up his group. Likely to the Matt’s and Josh Harris (long snapper) he just gave them a nasty look, a quick “WTF” and moved on. Their mistakes were so random and rare, they don’t need to be talked up. They know better. Clearly, he got to the rest of his team and the only real issue with the special teams today was one punt return that Andre Roberts let go by and ended up settling inside the 1-yard line.

The game changing moment of the game was a Bosher punt. The returner, standing at the 25, with the rain and swirling wind, fumbles the ball and Ishmael is quickly there to recover. Bosher was consistent with an average of 42.8 and a long of 55 yards. Of course, Money was back on track, even in the rain and wind, with 4 successful field goals, a long of 45. DQ said of Bryant, that Bryant is someone you “Want to trust in these situations and he nailed it in a big way tonight.” Derrick Coleman, the full back, had several drilling stops on returns, as well as Ishmael being involved with many punt and kickoff stops.

Interesting note, while Julio was grabbing his 8000^th+ yards last week, Ryan now has 200+ passing yards in 62 straight games, which is the longest streak in NFL history.

Overall, a win is a win, especially a road win, in the wind and rain. Defense was much improved. Special teams was fixed. Offense, better and more evenly distributing the ball. No injuries sustained. As Grady noted, we were 4 – 3 this time last year, and we all know how that ended. Now, the real fun begins.

Cover Photo Courtesy of NFL Films

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