Author: FalconAlley Football

Falcons Lose As Time Expires

Detroit Lions 23 at Atlanta Falcons 22

October 25, 2020

Article by Allison Smith

Photos Courtesy of Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons rolled out their third and final new jersey of the season.  The red gradient jerseys. After the rain passed, the roof was opened.  Martin Luther King, Jr.’s daughter Dr. Bernice King pulled the train horn to kick off the game while overlooking the field, painted with “Rise Up and Vote.”

The only item of note on the Inactive list this week is that with Takk McKinley back on the active roster, Deadrin Senat is back to the inactives.  Jaylinn Hawkins is still inactive with an injury.

The Falcons receive the opening kickoff and begin on their own 18.  Matt Ryan hands to Todd Gurley who finds no room running parallel to the line of scrimmage. On 2nd and 9, Ryan is under pressure and throws a quick shot to Hayden Hurst, but he cannot haul the pass in.  On 3rd and 9, Ryan finds Hurst short of the marker, but he stumbles forward for the first down.  From the 31, Julio Jones is in motion with Gurley in the backfield, he gets the call and rushes for 3 yards.  Another Gurley run for short gain.  Alex Mack is collapsed on the field under Gurley.  Rookie Matt Hennessy comes on for Mack.  On 3rd and 5, Ryan cannot connect with Russell Gage for the first down and the Falcons punt. 

Matt Stafford leads the Lions onto the field.  On first down, Adrian Peterson finds a hole for a 7-yard gain and is stopped by Deion Jones.  From the 31, Peterson gains no yards, as he is met by the whole line.  On 3rd and 4, Keanu Neal ensures the tight end cannot gain the 3 yards.  The Lions punt to Brandon Powell as the ball rolls into the end zone.

Gurley is in the backfield, Ryan making adjustments at the line.  Gurley gets a couple of yards.  On 2nd and 8, Ryan drops back, but quickly throws near laterally to Gage who loses two yards and is down, looking not good on the field.  Gage is helped off the field.  Powell comes in for Gage and Brian Hill is in at running back and gets the call for a 7-yard gain.  Hofrichter back on to punt. 

Stafford begins at the 29 and finds a wide-open TJ Hockenson for a 16-yard pick up.  Stafford goes deep for former Falcon Marvin Hall, who is blanketed by rookie AJ Terrell and the ball is complete.  On 2nd and 10, Stafford gives to Peterson who quickly meets Foye Oluokun for a 1-yard gain. On 3rd and 9 at the 46, Stafford from the shotgun, finds a wide-open Marvin Jones at the 31 of Atlanta.  Zone defense is opening the offense up.  A 23-yard pick up.  D’Andre Swift rushes for 8 yards.  Swift with the first down, breaking tackles and gaining 13 yards, where he is stopped by Ricardo Allen.  Grady Jarrett stops Swift from scoring.  On 2nd and goal from the 7, Oluokun stops Jones from making the reception.  On 3rd and goal, Stafford scrambles and while looking for a receiver, doesn’t even see Terrell who lays him out.  Terrell is called for roughing the passer. Swift scores a touchdown on the next play.

With 4:11, the Lions lead 7/0.

The Falcons begin at their own 18.  A Gurley rush of 2 yards, then an incomplete to Julio Jones forces a third down.  On 3rd and 8, Ryan is under pressure and cannot connect with Powell and another punt. 

The Lions begin on their on 37.  Stafford passes to Peterson at the line of scrimmage where McKinley takes him out of bounds.  On 2nd and 9, Stafford changes the play, then hands to Peterson who gained no yards, stopped by Neal who got off the WR block.  On 3rd and 9, Stafford throws to Amendola at the first down marker, but he cannot haul the ball in.  Another Lions punt. 

Grady Jarrett and Keanu Neal stop Adrian Peterson – Photo Courtesy of Atlanta Falcons/Kyle Hess

The Falcons begin on their own 11 with less than 2 minutes to go in the first quarter.  Hurst makes the reception at the first down marker, makes a few yards and leaps over another defender.  Jones gets the next pass for 8 yards.  Near the 40, the pass is to Calvin Ridley on a slant route, but the ball was too far back on his shoulder and cannot haul in the pass. Raheem Morris throws the challenge flag that Hurst caught the ball on a deflection.  The ball bounced off of Ridley’s shoulder, off the defender twice and while still in the air, Hurst hauled it in. The call was reverse and the Falcons have a first down at their own 42.  A fake to Gurley and a too high pass to Ridley near the sideline.  Ryan dumps off to Hill who gains 9 yards as the quarter ends.

End of first quarter, the Lions lead 7/0 over the Falcons, who are driving near midfield.

At the Detroit 49, the Falcons are 2nd and 1, Olamide Zaccheaus takes the snap and pushes up the middle for no gain.  On 4th and 1, Hurst is in motion and gains the first down and 9 yards.  Ryan is flushed out of pocket and from the line of scrimmage finds Ridley on the sideline, while dragging toes to ensure he is in bounds.  From the Lions 22, Ryan fakes to Gurley and lobs it to the end zone to Hurst who nearly makes a one-handed catch.  There is a hold on the defense providing 5 yards and a first down at the 17.  Ryan hands off to Gurley who gains no yards before heading out of bounds.  On 2nd and 10 Ryan finds Powell for the touchdown, but is negated by a Ridley PI.  On 2nd and 20, Ryan from the shotgun, finds Gurley over the middle for 11 yards.  On 3rd and 9, Ryan throws out of the end zone over Ridley, who gets up a little gimpy.  PI called on the defense, a fresh set of downs and the all on the 1.  Ryan fakes to Gurley and Luke Stocker cannot make the reception.  On 2nd and goal, Gurley runs into a wall and is stopped at the 2.  Third down, Gurley goes around the right side and gets the touchdown. 

With 10:54 to go to the half, the game is tied at 7.

After the kickoff, the Lions begin on their own 21.  Stafford fakes to Peterson and connects with Kenny Golladay under coverage of Kendall Sheffield and Deion Jones.  After a 13-yard pick up, Peterson gets the call for a 7-yard gain.  At the 41, Peterson gains no yards and Swift returns to the game.  On 3rd and 3, Stafford finds Amendola wide open on the sideline for an 18-yard gain.  Jarrett is called for a roughing the passer for shoving Stafford after the release of the ball.  Swift is run out of bounds by Jones.  On 3rd and 11 from the Falcons 12, Hockenson is open and makes the 10-yard reception.  On 4th and 1, Peterson gets the ball and Dante Fowler makes the stop behind the line of scrimmage. A flag comes onto the field AFTER the end of the play.  Fowler’s helmet was knocked off by another player, but the Falcons were charged with a penalty.

The Falcons begin on their own 2. Ryan and Hurst cannot connect on first down.  Gurley steps over a player for another yard.  On 3rd and 8 from the end zone, Ryan finds Ridley at the 31 for a 27-yard first down reception.  Hill gets the call for a yard.  On 2nd and 9 Ryan drops back, under a delayed blitz, Ryan scrambles and runs, then sees Hill for a short gain, who goes for the first down on his own.  From the 43, Ryan hands to Hill who shoves his way for 2 yards.  on 2nd and 8, Ryan finds Hurst across midfield for a 17-yard reception.  Hurst was settled in behind the smaller linebackers and just waited on the ball.

Two Minute Warning.

From the 38, Gurley gains 3 yards.  Jones returns to the field, plays decoy and Powell hauls in the reception for 4 yards.  on 3rd and 3, Ryan find Jones for a 13-yard gain to the 18.  Jones is standing at the 5 where he catches the next pass, before gimping off the field again.  The Falcons call Time out.  First and goal from the 5, Gurley gets the call and gains a few yards.  Jones is being stretched out on the sideline, then comes back onto the field.  The Lions take a time out with 42 seconds remaining.  Second down, Ryan drops back and finds Ridley in the back of the end zone, one foot in, second foot out.  On third down, Ryan finds Ridley in the middle of the end zone for the touchdown.  Ridley had escaped his defender and was wide open at the point of reception.

29 seconds to go to half and the Falcons take the 14/7 lead.

Stafford finds Hockenson for a 10-yard reception where he is knocked out of bounds by Neal.  Detroit takes a time out.  Golladay makes the 18-yard reception under Sheffield zone coverage.  From the Falcons 47, the Lions are called for false start and moved back 5 yards to their 47.  On 1st and 15, Stafford finds Jones at the 33.  They quickly snap and down the ball and with 3 seconds to go, the Lions kick a 50-yard field goal. 

At half time – Falcons 14, Lions 10.

The Lions start on their own 14, a handoff to Swift goes for 2 yards.  On 2nd down, Jones is standing between Oluokun and Neal for the 16-yard reception.  As Stafford is still dropping back, Neal sacks him for a 9-yard loss. He was untouched.  On 2nd and 19, Jones almost gets to Stafford, but Swift has the ball and jetting up for 8 yards.  on 3rd and 11, the offensive line is holding up well, Stafford finds Golladay for 29 yards and is taken down by Neal.  A Swift handoff along the right side, gains 24 yards, but is called back due to offensive holding.  From midfield, a first and 20, pass to Swift gains back 13 yards.  Peterson gets the call up the middle easily for a first down and few more yards.  From the Falcons 29, Peterson goes for a few yards and stopped by Sherrod Neasman.  On 2nd and 7, Peterson gains no yards, mainly stopped by Oluokun.  Stafford drops back, and UNBLOCKED, Jones come flying at him, Stafford ducks down some and Jones sacks him as he glides over him.  The Lions are forced to kick another field goal.

With 7:34 to go in the 3rd quarter, Falcons lead is cut to 1, leading 14/13.

The Falcons start on their own 15, with a Ryan pass to Gage for a 9-yard gain.  Gurley gets the first down, but only 2 yards.  A fake to Gurley and then passes toward Gurley, just out of reach.  Ryan find Jones for a 5-yard gain over the middle.  Jones is in the slot, while Ryan is scrambling, he is sacked for a 4-yard loss. Ryan was expecting zone and is on the sideline yelling at people. 

After the punt, the Lions will begin at their own 31.  An incompletion begins the Lions drive.  Stafford finds Amendola for a 3-yard gain, stopped by Isaiah Oliver.  The Falcons take a time out.  On 3rd and 7, Stafford passes into an empty spot on the field and lets out some bad words too.  Two of the Lion receivers were in the same spot, literally running into each other.  The Lions punt, Powell calls for a fair catch at the 15, but the ball bounces and stops at the 6.

Gurley runs up the middle for 5 yards.  Gurley finds an opening, shoves his way literally through defenders and picks up 13 yards.  Ryan drops back and finds Jones just past the first down marker, then Jones pushes for 7 more yards.  At the 41, Gurley pushes into a crowd for 2 yards.  On 2nd and 8, Ryan drops back and finds Hurst near the first down marker, Hurst stretches it out for the first down.  Across midfield, a fake to Gurley and Ryan bounce passes toward Hurst.  On 2nd and 10, Ryan zings in a ball to Jones, which looked like an interception, but went just past the hands of the defender into Jones for an 8-yard gain.  Another pass to Jones for a first down. 

End of the 3rd quarter, Falcons driving with the 14/13 lead.

From the Lions 36, Gurley takes the ball for a few yards, but negated and moved back by a Jaeden Graham holding penalty.  First and 10 from the 46, Ryan find a wide-open Jones inside the 20.  Stocker is called for a false start and the Falcons move back to the 23.  Gurley goes for 9 yards, then is stopped for a loss of 6 yards.  On 3rd and 12, Ryan, on the run, finds Ridley headed out of bounds for a gain of 7 yards.  At the 13, on 4th and 5, Ryan’s pass to Ito Smith is knocked down before it reaches Smith. 

The Lions take over at their own 13.  Swift rushes for 3 yards.  Stafford drops back and finds Golladay who rips the ball out of Terrell’s hands…both had their hands on the ball.  Morris challenges that Golladay made the catch in bounds.  The call was not overturned and the Falcons lose their 2nd time out.  Stafford is nearly sacked by Neal but makes the completion to Jones at the 49, where he is hard met by Allen.  Jones makes the next reception and is tackled by Jarrett at the 45.  On 2nd and 4, Peterson goes for 3 yards.  On the 3rd and 1, Peterson is shoved back for a loss by rookie Mykal Walker.  On 4th and 2, the Lions fake the punt, then he steps up under center to try and pull the Falcons off.  The Lions challenge the previous play, that Deion Jones didn’t get off the field in time and the Falcons had 12 men “technically” on the field as Stafford quick snapped.  Jones had one foot still on the field, but the officials gave 5 yards to the Lions.  On their free first down, the Lions gain a yard.  On 2nd and 9, Stafford slings it incomplete to Swift with Fowler in his face.  Golladay makes the reception near the first down marker, but is a fourth down as he is stopped short by Sheffield.  Matt Prater’s field goal is wide right and the Falcons maintain the lead.

Ryan finds an open Ridley for a first down at the 48.  From the 48, Gurley is hit in the backfield for a 3-yard loss.  Back at the 45, Ryan delays the handoff to Gurley, who still cannot find an opening, gains back the lost 3 yards.  On 3rd down, Ryan fumbles the ball and it is recovered by the Lions.  Jake Matthews didn’t hold his block. 

Fowler comes off the side and stops Swift for a 6-yard loss.  The Swift reception at the line of scrimmage is stopped and Steven Means forces him back 2 more yards.  On 3rd and 17, Stafford steps up and then has to pull the ball down and run himself as Oluokun makes the hit.  Prater makes the 49-yard field goal and the Lions take back the lead.

With 3:16 to go in the game, the Lions lead 16/14.

Powell brings the kickoff from the 1 to the 24, where a small scruff ensues.  Ryan finds Gage for a 6-yard gain, then a first down.  Ryan finds Gurley underneath for an 8-yard gain. 

Two Minute Warning. 

The Falcons have one timeout and the ball at their own 47, needing 2 yards for the first down.  Ryan scrambles under pressure, then finds Gage, double covered at the Lions 36.  Gage leaped and made a one-handed catch.  On first down, Ryan finds Gage near the sideline for another first down at the 21.  Gage and Ridley are on the sideline and Ryan hands to Gurley who literally refuses to be stopped, partially hopping on one foot, but moving for an 8-yard gain.  Lions call a timeout.  With 1:25 to go in the game on 2nd and 2 at the 13, Gurley goes to the left side and gains 1 yard.  The Lions call another timeout. 

On 3rd and 1 with 1:18 to go in the game, Gurley stutter steps and waits, then busts through a hole and gets the first down.  The ball is on the ground, but Gurley rips it quickly back in.  Keith Smith and Chris Lindstrom providing the big blocks.  Next play, Gurley goes up the middle, flying through defenders and tries to stop himself before going into the end zone, but falls into the end zone.  A side-arm throw under pressure to Ridley gives the successful 2-point conversion. 

With 1:04 left in the game, the Falcons lead 22 to 16 over the Lions.

From the 25, Stafford lobs the ball up past the first down marker, but the ball and receiver are out of bounds.  Second and 10, under pressure, Stafford finds Hockenson near the sideline, he cannot get out of bounds as Terrell is blocking it and Oliver and Oluokon are pulling him down inside.  This takes many precious ticks off the clock.  Stafford rushes them back to the line to snap and down the ball.  With 34 seconds remaining, from the Lions 33, Stafford drops back then sidearm throws up to the Falcons 40.  Another snap and downing of the ball.  19 seconds from the Falcons 40, Stafford throws down to the 8-yard line to Golladay.  There is a flag on the play.  3 seconds to go.  The Lions snap the ball before the Falcons are even set.  The catch is under review from the booth.  The ruling of the catch stands.  Still 3 seconds on the clock.  Everyone is lined up and ready as the clock starts.  Stafford spikes the ball with 2 seconds remaining.  The ball is at the 11.  Stafford drops back and finds Hockenson in the end zone escaping coverage of Jones and Oluokon.  As time expires, there is a flag on the play.  Unsportsmanlike conduct by Amendola moves the Lions back 15 yards.  The extra point is attempted from the 30, so a 48-yard extra point attempt.  It is good and the Falcons lose again.

#RiseUp

FalconAlley OWT

Raheem Morris The Coach’s Show – Falcons 40/Vikings 23

October 20, 2020

Interim Head Coach Raheem Morris joined Dukes and Bell for the Coach’s Show on 92.9 The Game.  This is the weekly recap and interview by Carl Dukesand Mike Bell.

This being Morris’ first Coach’s Show, Dukes and Bell welcomed him and congratulated him on his first win. 

Morris was nothing but complimentary on Dan Quinnand his choices and opportunities along the way.  Morris said that “The Brotherhood” that started with Quinn “is big and has real meaning behind it, but the Dirty Bird – is part of our history” in reference to comments he made after the game Sunday.  Morris referenced Chris Chandler, Ray Buchanan, OJ Santiago and that 1998 team coming out of nowhere and ending with a record of 14-2.  Someone has to be the best, Morris said, “Why Not Us?”  This is when I lost it.

Dang you, Raheem – I got chills and teared up a little…..now I am back all in for the 11-0 season. 

Morris started his review of the game by starting….at the beginning.  The interception at the beginning of the game was the kick start.  It was what they talked about all week.  Get the ball, score.  And they did.  Within 6 plays, Matt Ryan found, Julio Jones, who Morris called, “The best player on the planet.”  Morris’ second highlight was the goal line stance that the defense put on.  “Force your will” on the opponent.  Then seeing Ricardo Allen jumping in the air and celebrating, brings life to all facets of the team.

Commenting on Clemson rookie AJ Terrell, “He came in ready out of the box.”  In training camp, he was challenging the wide outs.  Sunday, Terrell lead the game in tackles.  Morris expects big things out of Terrell through the rest of the year.

Asked about the change from the first 5 weeks, Morris said that “These guys are pros with pro mentalities.”  He continued to not take credit himself, Morris said that the Falcons have a big coaching staff and that the guys want to come out and show out.  The team played like they practiced this week.  Dante Fowlersaid during the week that, “Coach is making us uncomfortable.”  To that, Morris said, “Really just about practice, how we want to go and finish in practice.  The games aren’t going to be comfortable, so who is going to step up at the time that is needed?”

Asked if there was any additional pressure on Offensive Coordinator Dirk Koetter?  Morris has known and been in the league a long time with Koetter, watching him at different teams.  Morris knows how Koetter goes about his process, how detailed he is, how involved he is, and has full confidence in Koetter.  Morris said, “There is pressure on all of us.”  

The team will continue to lay out the plan on Saturday’s, how they want to play on Sunday.  Whether aggressive or conservative, the how and the mood.  That is how the 4th and 1 play turned into a long touchdown to Hayden Hurst.  The vibe for last week was aggressive…..forcing the Falcons will onto the Vikings.

Morris is excited to use Todd Gurley as much as they can.  “He is a great guy, a Georgia bulldog and looking forward to playing in front of fans again this weekend.”

Wise words from Morris, he is “Living in the moment” and not worrying or thinking about the changes or drama or future, just planning for next week.  A 1-0 mentality each week.

Overall, “Our job is to score then get the ball back.”

#RiseUp

FalconAlley OWT

New Coach, New Result for Atlanta Falcons

October 18, 2020

Article by Allison Smith

Photos Courtesy of Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta Falcons 40 at Minnesota Vikings 23

The Atlanta Falcons are in their all white uniforms today in Minnesota.  Julio Jones is back from his hamstring injury.  Inactives include Takk McKinley and Jaylinn Hawkins due to injury, and Jordan Miller, Qadree Ollison, and John Wetzel. Note that John Cominsky and Marlon Davidson are on the COVID reserve list. 

“Interim” Head Coach Raheem Morris makes his debut today leading the Atlanta Falcons into Minnesota. Morris made a few staffing changes after being named the HC of the Falcons and will not continue his Defensive Coordinator role.

Younghoe Koo kicks off to start the game with a return to the 24. 

Kirk Cousins fakes the handoff and throws to…..DEION JONES.  After a 17-yard return, the Falcons offense will take the field at the Minnesota 29.

A handoff to Todd Gurley for 9 yards to start, then Gurley gets the first down on the next play. From the 19, Matt Ryan tosses back to Gurley, who is stopped by Cam Dantzler for a 4-yard loss.  On 2nd down, Ryan looks down the field but tosses to Gurley for a 3-yard gain, still 11 yards to go for the first down. Ryan finds an open Julio Jones in the end zone for a quick score. 

With 12:02 to go in the first quarter, the Falcons lead 7/0.

Koo to kickoff again, a big return across the 25. 

Cousins is under center, fakes the handoff, is nearly sacked, but dumps it to Justin Jefferson who is stopped, hard, behind the line by AJ Terrell. On 2nd and 12, it is a handoff by Alexander Mattison who is stopped after 7 yards.  Terrell makes the stop again forcing the 4th down. 

The Falcons begin on their own 14, with another handoff to Gurley for a 6-yard gain. On 2nd and 4, Ryan from the shotgun, confuses Gurley who is called for a false start.  He leaves the field and on 2nd and 9, Ryan is pressured, finds Jones short, who turns the gain into a 23-yard gain.  Russell Gage and Jake Matthews opening up a hole for Jones on the left side.  Next, Calvin Ridley gains 8 yards as a running back along the left side.  Near midfield, on 2nd and 2, Ryan hands to Gurley who is stuffed in the backfield again.  On 3rd and 3, Ryan drops back and finds Hayden Hurst across midfield for an 8-yard gain and first down.  A play fake yields an incomplete pass by Ryan.  Ryan changes the play at the line, then scrambles and runs for 5 yards along the right sideline.  On 3rd and 5, Gurley forces through for 4 yards.  The offense stays on the field for a 4th and 1 at the 33.  Gurley goes straight ahead for several yards and another first down.  A short pass to a sliding Ridley for 5 yards.  Under center, Ryan changes the play several times, then tosses back to Brian Hill for no gain.  On 3rd and 7, Hill gains a single yard and the Falcons are forced to kick a 50-yard field goal. 

With 3:12 to go in the first quarter, the Falcons lead 10/0.

Mattison gets the first call of this series where he meets Keanu Neal for a massive hit and 3-yard loss.  Cousins passes to Mattison near the line of scrimmage and the Vikings have a 3rd and 9.  Cousin drops back, under pressure throws short of the receiver with D Jones in coverage and the ball falls incomplete.  Terrell’s tight coverage down the field closes off that option.  The Vikings punt to Brandon Powell.

From the 45, Ryan rolls right and finds Russell Gage for a 19-yard reception.  Another play action pass to Keith Smith for a 3-yard gain.  On 2nd and 7, Ryan, from the shotgun, hands to Hill who has a good run, but the ball comes flying out and is recovered by the Vikings.

The Vikings take over at their own 24.  Cousins fakes and throws long to wide open Irv Smith with Neal in coverage.  A 36-yard reception to end the quarter.

The end of the first quarter has Minnesota driving, but still down 10/0.

Mattison gains a single yard to start quarter.  Cousins hits Kyle Rudolph for a 19-yard gain, to the Falcons 20.  Cousins finds Jefferson near the end zone for a first down.  From the 3 1/2, Mattison gets the ball and meets Foye Oluokun quickly at the line.  On 2nd down, back to Mattison up the middle where he is stopped by the defense at the 1.  Cousin fakes to Mike Boone, a pass to Smith and Jones knocks the ball out at the goal line.  On 4th down, a quick snap goes to Boone and Dante Fowler sniffs it out and slows him down, while Neal and Grady Jarrett make the stop. 

You Shall Not Pass….Keanu Neal and Grady Jarrett stop Mike Boone at the goal line on 4th down. Photo Courtesy of Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons

Starting on their own 2, Gurley moves the Falcons out to the 5.  Gurley gets a first down on the next run, along the right side.  Gurley gets the toss play and steps out of bounds for a 3-yard loss.  On 2nd and 13, Ryan throws the ball short to Gurley.  The flag on the play is for a personal foul for a player lowering his head, so a freebie first down and move out to the 30.  On first down, Ryan fakes to Ito Smith and finds Ridley who spins his way near midfield.  Ridley makes a cut and change of direction before the catch to completely get open from the defender.  Ryan scrambles around after a fake to Smith, then falls down to end the play.  On 2nd and 14, Ryan is sacked.  Chris Lindstrom and Kaleb McGary are blown through for the sack.  Third and 17, Ryan is under great pressure and throws into the dirt. 

Sterling Hofrichter punts to the 15-yard line. 

Rookie AJ Terrell Makes Remarkable and His First Interception of the Season – Photo Courtesy of Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons

Cousins hands to Mattison who finds room along the left side for a 16-yard gain.  Cousins cannot find anyone downfield, he runs toward the sideline, getting knocked by Neal as he lets go of the ball.  Next is another handoff to Mattison for a short gain. On 3rd and 9, Cousins finds AJ TERRELL, for his first INT of his rookie season.  A low ball, Terrell left his guy, caught the ball between his legs, rolled up to maintain possession.  Falcons ball at the 40.

With 5:46 to go to the half, Ryan hands to Gurley for a couple of yards.  Ridley makes the short reception, makes a man miss, twirls and makes another first down as he heads out of bounds.  Seeing something he didn’t like, Ryan calls a time out.  From the 24, Ryan finds Ridley at the first down marker, but had to come back to escape a tackle and ended with a 9-yard gain.  From the Vikings 15, Ryan hands to Gurley who is dropped in the backfield for a loss.  Keith Smith let the defender by.  From the shotgun, Ryan finds Jones who gets the first down, right at the marker.  Ryan finds Jones on the sideline for a quick 5 yards.

After the 2-minute warning, Ryan finds Ridley at the 7, who then zooms in for the touchdown!

Koo’s successful extra point extends the Falcons lead just under 2 minutes til half time to 17/0.

Cousins scrambles and finally finds Adam Thielen for a first down.  Rudolph makes the next reception for 9-yard gain.  Then a quick rush for a first down to the left, stopped by Oluokun at midfield.  From the shotgun, Cousins reception is complete, but the play is negated by an offsides penalty.  1st and 5, Cousins finds….FOYE OLUOKUN this time.  With Jarrett inches away from the sack, Jacob Tuioti-Mariner tips the ball that falls into Oluokun’s hands. 

At midfield, Ryan finds Hill along the sideline for a 3-yard gain.  Ryan’s ball is deflected by the defender draping Jones, but the ball falls incomplete.  On 3rd and 7, Ryan finds Gage, who leaps over defenders to gain another few yards.  Gage makes the next reception and runs out of bounds after another 4-yard gain.  Hill gains 3 yards before the Falcons call a time out.  On 3rd and 3, Ryan finds Ito Smith 2-yards away, who then turns it into a 17-yard gain and almost a touchdown.  Ryan throws out of the end zone, then a run by Hill up the middle.  The Falcons take their final time out with 4 seconds to go and Koo adds another 3 on a 21-yard field goal.

With 1 second to go, the Vikings run a play, stopped by Terrell….and the whole Falcons line.

Halftime:  Falcons 20 Vikings 0.

Powell takes the ball out of the end zone, loses the ball, but rookie Mykal Walker recovers the fumble.  Ryan starts at the 16 with a change of play and move into the shotgun.  He finds Olamide Zaccheaus upfield, who cannot hold on due to a hard hit by the defender.  Ryan fakes to Ito Smith, then finds Ridley near the sideline for 7 yards.  On 3rd and 3, Ryan finds Gage at midfield for a big 27-yard gain.  At the 50, Ryan drops back and throws across the field toward Ridley, but too short.  On 2nd down, Ryan finds Jones for a 5-yard reception, Jones forces 2 more.  On 3rd and 3, Ryan throws over the middle to Hurst, who makes the first down, but then takes a seat on the field after being flipped over.  Fake the toss and Ryan throws across the field to Powell for no gain….but there is a flag on the defense, moving the Falcons up and another first down.  From the 32, Gurley runs for 4 yards to the right.  Changing the play at the line again, Ryan is pressured and throws way out of bounds over Ridley.  A third and six is thrown out of bounds, out of the reach of Christian Blake.  Koo kicks a 47-yard field goal.

With 10:45 to go in the 3rd, Falcons lead 23/0.

The Vikings throw to Jefferson for a 35-yard gain with Kendall Sheffield in coverage, just a couple steps too far away.  Cousins finds wide open Rudolph for a 9-yard gain, with an illegal hands to face by Atlanta, which is accepted for a 1st and 5.  Mattison tries to go up the middle, but Jones is there to stop for an 11 yard loss.  The reception is made for a short gain, but Walker is there for a big tackle immediately.  The offense is called for holding, which back them up farther.  On 2nd and 24, the Vikings at midfield, Cousins hits Jefferson for 19 yards.  On 3rd and 5, Cousins finds Jefferson along the sideline with tight coverage by Sheffield.  From the 22, Cousins bootlegs out, is rocked by Jones as he releases the ball that goes out of the back of the end zone.  On 2nd down, Cousins drops back, throws up to Boone who is dropped at the 16 by Isaiah Oliver.  On 3rd and 4, Cousins throws out of the end zone again.  The Vikings offense lines up on 4th down.  Cousins finds Smith over the middle, at the first down marker.  Tackled by Jones.  From the Falcons 11, Cousins rifles one to Jefferson that Terrell takes down, but in the end zone for their first score of the game. 

With 6:25 to go in the 3rd quarter, Falcons still up, 23/7.

Powell brings the kickoff out again, this time maintaining possession and up to the 30-yard line.  Ryan hands to Hill for a 5-yard gain.  Hill again, up the middle for a first down.  Ito Smith goes up the middle for 4 yards.  On 2nd and 6, Ryan fakes to Ito Smith and finds Jones along the sideline for 7 yards.  Gurley in for the play fake, but nothing is open so Ryan throws it at his feet.  On 2nd and 10, Ryan pumps then runs for an 8-yard run.  Gurley gets the call, but is stopped behind the line. 

Julio Jones – You Can’t Touch This, Photo Courtesy of Cato Cataldo/Atlanta Falcons

On 4th and 3 at the 40, Ryan takes the high snap, scrambles ands starts to run, then comes back behind the line of scrimmage, finds Jones at the 29.  Jones stiff arms the defender, then runs along the sideline for the touchdown.  In the end zone, for the 2nd time today, salutes the Atlanta Braves with the “Mix it up” sign.

With 2:01 to go in the 3rd, the Falcons extend their lead 30/7.

From their 20, Cousins drops back, but is met by Allen Bailey for a 10-yard loss and sack with Jarrett right behind him.  On 2nd and 20, Cousins can’t find Mattison as he was tightly covered by Oluokun.  On 3rd and 20 from the 15, Cousins finds Jefferson at the 25, but stopping him there are Oluokun and Oliver.  Another punt and no return.

Ryan hands off to Gurley for a 2-yard game before the quarter ends.

Fourth quarter begins with the Falcons driving and leading 30/7.

On 2nd and 8 from their own 30, Ryan hands to Gurley for another 4 yards.  Ryan finds Gurley short of the first down marker, but Gurley turns it into a 14-yard gain and first down.  Near midfield, Ryan hands to Gurley again for a couple yard gain. Another 6 yards for Gurley, forcing a 3rd and 1.  From the backfield, Gurley gets the handoff but stopped way behind the line for a loss of 2 yards.  On 4th and 3, Hofrichter comes on to punt, but there is a false start by Tuioti-Mariner, moving the Falcons back to 4th and 8.  The punt goes to the 25. 

Cousins is hit by Bailey as he throws out of bounds.  Fowler was coming behind him as well.  Mattison is knocked down by Bailey as he goes up the middle.  On 3rd and 6, Cousins has his pass batted down by Oliver, out of the hands of the receiver.  Another Vikings punt taken by Powell at the 21 and returned to the 33.

Ryan opens it up and finds Jones for a 31-yard gain.  One on one Dantzler and Jones – Jones always winning that one.  Hill gets the handoff, but cannot gain any yards behind the left side.  Ryan drops back and finds Hurst for 8 yards along the sideline.  On 3rd and 2, Ryan is in the shotgun and hands to Gurley who finds the first down up the middle of the line.  Zaccheaus is headed downfield while Ryan is throwing short for an incompletion.  Blake is in motion and makes the reception for 5 yards.  On 3rd and 5, after some scrambling, Ryan is sacked.  The Falcons kick another field goal of 43 yards.

With 7:16 to go in the game, the Falcons extend their lead 33/7.

After the kickoff, the Vikings start at their own 25.  Cousins finds Jefferson who is in the arms of the Oliver, but gains the 17-yard first down.  Cousins finds Johnson, but a flag on the play by Sheffield moves the ball up and a first down.  Amir Abdullah makes the reception, but falls just past the line of scrimmage.  On 2nd and 9, Cousins hits Smith for a 2 yard gain, stopped by Neal.  Then, Thielen makes a 35-yard reception as he was blanketed by Terrell. From the 15, Cousins finds Beebe who is WWE slammed down by Jones.  From the 6, Cousins throws to Rudolph just inside the end zone, but the ball hits the ground first.  Abdullah gets the first down up the middle.  From the 2, Cousins finds Thielen in the middle of the end zone for the touchdown, escaping the coverage of Jones.  In for the 2-point conversion, Smith easily runs through the left side.

With 3:58 to go in the game, the Falcons lead 33/15. The onsides kick goes directly to Deion Jones and the Falcons take over the ball as the Minnesota 44.  Ryan gives to Hill, who is stopped near the line, but then drags tacklers for a 9-yard gain.  Hill gets no yards on the next attempt.  On the 3rd and 1, Hill gets the call again along the left side and doesn’t gain the first down.  Minnesota takes a time out.  On 4th down, a fake to Hill, Hurst is wide open on the left sideline at the 30, with Zaccheaus taking on 3 defenders to keep him open. Hurst in for the touchdown.

Uncovered Hayden Hurst in for the 30-Yard Touchdown – Photo Courtesy of Kyle Hess/Atlanta Falcons

Beginning on their own 22, Cousins connects with Rudolph for a 19-yard gain, in the arms of Neal.

2:00 Warning: Falcons 33 Vikings 15 at their own 39. On first down, Cousins drops back, up to Smith across the 50 for a 13-yard gain.  Jefferson escapes Sheffield for the 49-yard touchdown.  They add the 2-point conversion.

With 1:26 to go in the game, the Falcons lead 40/23.

Another onsides kick, this time, similar to the INT’s to the Falcons, 2nd onsides kick goes to AJ Terrell.

From the 49, Ito Smith goes 4 yards.  Ryan takes a knee and the clock runs out…..with a Falcons WIN.

#RISEUP

Falcon Alley OWT

Another Decent Three Quarters of Falcons Ball

September 28, 2020

Article by Allison Smith

Photos Courtesy of Atlanta Falcons

Unfortunately, there are at least 4 quarters to play.  The Falcons had NO penalties in the first 3 quarters, then 7, costly, penalties in the final quarter of the game for 75 yards.  Similar to the Super Bowl year, similar to last week, and similar to many other games we have suffered through over the years, the Falcons can’t play a full 4 quarters of ball. In the Dan Quinn era, the Falcons have blown leads of 25, 20, 17 twice, and 16.  For a forever Falcon fan, it is long suffering, but 5 of the 13 biggest leads have been blown in last 5 years.  As you know, the 20 and 16 leads are back to back the last two weeks. 

Everyone is accountable for their own performance.  Whether prep work, education, coaching, play calling, or player execution.

With a 16 point lead late in the fourth quarter, the Falcons ran through three possessions, all of which were 3 and Outs, taking a TOTAL of 2 ½ minutes off the clock.  The final possession was 3 ill-fated passes that took 22 seconds, with 2 of their best 3 receivers unavailable.  Who didn’t know the ball was only going to Calvin Ridley?  Chicago didn’t even have to take a time out at any time to save time for their comeback.  Someone needs to have the responsibility to look at clock and the score and make opposing team use their time outs.  As a coaching staff, you cannot run a much depleted defense back out on the field after a minute or less off the field.  Instead of running time off the clock with the much touted run game, you put the defense back on the field.  They have not proven able to stop in clutch situations, they started the game with a depleted staff due to injuries and just lost two more.  The running backs were averaging 5.8 yards.  Use what is working and eat up the clock.  If the Falcons didn’t learn that in 2016, I guess they never will. 

As bad as the defense had been in completing a full game especially in clutch situations, what has the offense done with turnovers or short fields? 

Against the Bears, Blidi Wreh-Wilson intercepts Mitch Trubisky at the Bears’ 19, Falcons get a field goal.  Bears are intercepted in the end zone, 5 plays later the Falcons punt.  Bears, 4th and 17, Falcons get the ball and 3 plays later punt.

The Falcons cannot stop a team or score WHEN THEY NEED TO.  In both 2-minute drives before halftime, the Falcons failed to get any points.  Very conservative play calling to have the offensive weapons that the Falcons have.  Everybody knows, the Falcons run on first down, get a few yards, then pass it the rest of the time.  EVERYBODY knows that. That was seen in many of the 3 and outs on the day, and certainly near the end of the game.

The defense did seem to communicate and tackle better overall Sunday.  On 3rd downs, the defense got off the field more or forced 4th downs that were unsuccessful.  But with Ricardo Allen missing, you could see some assignment confusion and lack of leadership on the field.  Rookie Mykal Walker stepped in and up to lead the team with 8 tackles, 1 for loss and a QB hit.  Keanu Neal also had 8 tackles with 1.5 for loss, Isaiah Oliver and Deion Jones had 7 tackles a piece.  Darqueze Dennard had 6 tackles, 2 passes defended and a crucial interception.  This week, many defenders were rookie starters and others just off of the practice squad. 

The defense gave up a 45-yard run by Trubisky.  Oliver got turned around on the easiest wide receiver coverages in the NFL.  On a 2nd and 6, the Bears scored a 35-yard touchdown because Oliver cannot make the tackle.  He dropped or missed two interceptions.  On a 3rd and 8, another explosive play, a 29-yard touchdown to Anthony Miller.  The defense nearly gave up a touchdown on the 2nd of the exact same play back to back in the end zone.  Jimmy Graham and Miller ran the same route, the first time Oliver was in position and tips the ball, then Neal is in coverage and Miller caught the touchdown, but after review it was determined he didn’t have possession as he hit the ground.  Good luck. 

Does the defense have the right guys on the team?  From the first 3 games it doesn’t look like it.  The Falcons have the worst red zone defense in the NFL.  In their 12 defenses of/in the red zone, 11 turned into touchdowns and one a field goal.   

The offense looked good early as well, Ridley was targeted 13 times and caught 5 for 110 yards, most of those misses were on Ryan, not Ridley.  Olamide Zaccheaus had 4 receptions for 41 yards, and returner Brandon Powell stepped in and had 3 catches on 4 targets for 27 yards.  Russell Gage went out early after his 2nd reception, totally 26 yards.  Brian Hill had a single reception for 22 yards and 9 rushes for 58 yards and that long 35-yard touchdown run.  Todd Gurley had 14 carries of 80 yards. 

If Gurley cannot go more, then the Falcons need another solution (there are 3 other RBs on the roster), if he can, then use him.  The run game started very positive with 144 rushing yards, Gurley was finally making people miss – broke out for 16-yard run and made 2 defenders miss on his touchdown run.  Hill definitely made some defenders miss on a couple of nice runs, including his touchdown.  If Gurley is supposed to be a weapon as a rushing receiver, Ryan needs to throw to him more than once a game. 

It is the little details and focus.  On a 3rd and 5, Hill cannot hold onto the football, likely if he caught it, Hill was making a big gain, if not a touchdown.  Certainly, it keeps the drive alive.  On both 2-minute drives near the end of the half, no points scored and Ryan missed Ridley.  Of course, the costly, possibly game winning interception near the end of the game.  On a 3rd and goal from the 4, with the Bears in man to man coverage, they brought cover zero and Ryan gets sacked, moving them so far back, they settled for a field goal.  This was a nice 12 play drive for 53 yards before half.  Ryan may have put up big numbers, but he did not have an overly good game. The 4th quarter begins and Ryan has his pass batted down at the line.  The Falcons sideline called a timeout.  Back to the 3rd and 7 and Ryan is sacked at the 30.  It is 4th and 11.  Koo’s 48-yard field goal is wide left.  How do you have a time out and still get sacked?  Then the Koo miss.

Now declining is the 3rd down offense.  The Falcons were 4 for 13 on 3rd down conversions.  Anything that did go well last week, was bad again this week.  Too many times the Bears were in man coverage and the Falcons made no adjustments.  That is on the coaching.

Special Teams didn’t have a complete melt down, but Koo missed and early extra point and a manageable field goal.  The Falcons lost by 4 points. 

Guys cannot make plays when their number is called, is the defense even staffed correctly?  You have to make the play when the play present themselves.  Win your one on one match up.  Wreh-Wilson, Dennard, Ridley did.  Not many others did Sunday.

If the final falls on Quinn…..and the players love him so much…..they should be performing better.  Maybe THIS loss is the one that makes the change.  They have to be coaching and playing for jobs very soon.  The Falcons have not started 0-3 since 2007, the Bobby Petrino era.  We all know how that ended.

Overall, to me, the lack of concern by Dan Quinn and Matt Ryan is even more frustrating.  “Being close” and just not finishing, that isn’t enough.  “Not getting blown out” is not a good response.  Your team is allowing huge and disastrous collapses.  Until there is a * noting close games or injury riddled teams and you get partial credit for good play.  The Falcons are not finishing on either side of the ball.

Good teams find ways to win.  I have been a fan since the 1980s and know bad teams and bad direction.  There is no reason with the talent that is on this team, that the performance is so bad. 

This does not bode well for a primetime trip to Green Bay.  Even a non-snowy, quiet Green Bay.

Golden Talon:

  • Calvin Ridley – The up and coming Julio Jones.  Even with no touchdowns this week, opened the game with a 63-yard touchdown.  Finished the game with 5 receptions for 110 yards.
  • Brian Hill – Running and catching and breaking tackles.  58 rushing yards, 22 receiving yards, and a touchdown in limited playing time.
  • Darqueze Dennard – After a rough first couple of games, Dennard was moved to his natural CB position and was aggressive and aware for most of the game. 6 tackles and 2 passes defended.

#RiseUp

FalconAlley Owt

Brian Hill – Player Guest on with Dave Archer on 92.9 The Game

September 28, 2020

Dave Archer started with “What is the mindset of the team right now?”  Brian Hill quietly replied, “Only mindset is to turn this thing around and win on Monday.” Speaking of the Monday Night Football game in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

The running backs combined for 135 yards on the ground “We definitely want to contribute to the team.” Hill noted that there are things “we can learn and improve on,” but feel good about their production so far.

Asked about the success change from the first 3 quarters to the 4th quarter, the Bears made some adjustments to the run game, “but it is more us and missed opportunities.  Us stopping us.” 

Ito Smith and Hill have been together for a couple of years, now, Archer asked Hill how Todd Gurley blended in with them.  He replied, “He blended in well from the jump,” even from just virtual meetings before we met in person. So when we met in person, already felt like a teammate.

Asked about the evolution of his game: My rookie year was a struggle and a learning experience.  Over time, I have learned how to work harder.  “Blessing to learn that, wouldn’t have the work ethic I now have.”

What did you do to work on yourself and change your body and running style? Hill replied that he didn’t focus on his weight.  Hill focused on running and cutting, with or without the ball.  His admitted downfall was his ability to change direction, so he’s focused on footwork drills.

Arch asked, “Did you have to re-teach yourself patience?”  “Yes, back in Wyoming, knew I was the guy and if you missed something, you had the next chance.”  In the NFL, Hill was first trying to make a big play to earn that top spot, “learned that I don’t need the big play every time.” 

Back to the game and in regards to Hill’s big 35-yard touchdown.  Hill noted, “after offsides gave us the 3rd and 5, the play call was a run and while I was surprised, I knew the Bears would be surprised.”  So as soon as there was an opening from my blockers, I shot through and sped through for the touchdown.

Hill has focused on his receiving skills.  He’s worked hard for 4 years to improve his hands.  He admitted to “kicking myself on the 3rd down pass conversion.”  After watching the film, just have focus more.  “I will continue to be on the jugs before practice and get more catching reps in.”

“We know as a team we have to do better, but we have to look and fix ourselves.  Continue what we are doing well and improve what we are not doing well.”

Hill wrapped with “We have started off well the last two weeks, we just need to work on finishing.”