Category: FalconAlley Squawk

Jobs on the Line as Falcons Host Jaguars

Article by Allison Smith

August 24, 2024

Photo courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons – Jay Bendlin

In the last pre-season game, Atlanta hosted Jacksonville. Many spots are already set, but many more are still on the bubble and making the decisions harder on Head Coach Raheem Morris and others. Many guys have stepped up in practice and in the first 2 pre-season games, making decisions harder. Then, of course, the addition earlier this week of pass rusher Matthew Judon and Safety Justin Simmons moved everyone in those positions down a spot. Both are expected to play in week one, although they just arrived in The ATL.

Per numerous insiders at 92.9 The Game that have been at Flowery Branch and exposed to training camp and the team, “This vibe is different.” Very happy and connected team, everything is feeling different than previous training camps. Coach Rah is constantly challenging players, but in a positive way. Everyone is clear on the standard that has been set.

The entire team came out dressed….complete prep for a regular game, from staying at the hotel, dressing out, warm ups – by team and location on the field, then went in for a “half time” then back out. After that, the guys not playing changed back into their sweats, but trying to get that routine as much ready as possible. In just over 2 weeks, it is real ball.

I don’t know that this third game changed anything for the coaches and their evaluations. There were no additional stand outs or surprises. In my opinion, this game reinforced some of the guys that were not on the bubble going into the game. It seems that many positions are so stacked, it will be interesting to see how the Falcon staff evaluates and decisions some of these positions.

My one sidetrack of the pre-season….while offense finally has a leader, defense is healthy and bolstered…..now, Special Teams is sketchy. Missed field goals and short punts. But we will see what the regular season holds.

Pre game discussions had Dave Archer with 65 on his must keep roster, will see if I can do any better on mine. We know this is going to be hard on the coaches and GM Terry Fontenot. They are headed to meet after the game….then get the roster to 53 by 4pm on Tuesday. Then on Wednesday, snatch some guys for the practice squad and hope to “hide” some diamonds in the rough from the rest of the league.

QB: Kirk Cousins, Michael Penix, Jr – need a third, don’t think he is currently on the team

O Line: Jake Matthews, Kaleb McGarity, Matthew Bergeron, Storm Norton, Chris Lindstrom, Drew Dalman (need additional here – but not an o line expert or fan)

WR: Drake London, Ray-Ray McCloud, KhaDarel Hodge, Casey Washington, Chris Blair

TE: Kyle Pitts, Charlie Woerner, John Fitzpatrick

RB: Bijan Robinson, Tyler Allgeier, Jase McClellan, Carlos Washington, Jr

Dline: Grady Jarrett, Ruke Orhorhoro, Zion Logue, Brandon Dorlus, Kentavius Street, David Onyemata, Zach Harrison, Ta’Quon Graham

CB: AJ Terrell; Natrone Brooks, Kevin King (at CB or S), Dee Alford, Jayden Price

LB: Troy Anderson, JD Bertrand, Lorenzo Carter, Arnold Ebiketie, Kaden Elliss, Matthew Judon, Nate Landman, DeAngelo Malone

S: Jessie Bates, Justin Simmons, Micah Abernathy, Richie Grant (DeMarcco Hellams – when he returns)

And our starting to be questionable ST: Liam McCullough, Younghoe Koo, Bradley Pinion

I have us at 48, clearly need more backups at Offensive and Defensive Line, but at least I got us close to a game day roster. We will see what happens on the way to Tuesday.

Blessings Are Key for the 2024 Atlanta Falcons Draft Class

Allison Smith – May 16, 2024

Another awesome interview by the voice of the Atlanta Falcons, Dave Archer. Today, Arch had the first three draft picks of the 2024 draft with him. Talk about some impressive young men. After the interview was over, I texted a friend, “I am fully on the Super Bowl train again.”

Archer introduced the guys and asked a few questions before asking fan submitted questions.

Asked about being drafted to Atlanta, Michael Penix, Jr. from the University of Washington called out that being drafted into the NFL in general is amazing, he grew up wanting to play in the NFL and here he is. He’s very excited to be in Atlanta.

Clemson Defensive Tackle, Ruke Orhorhoro noted that his is very familiar with Atlanta and is happy to not have to move far and learn a new place. He is ready to “put my big boy pants on” and get to working.

Bralen Trice, also from the University of Washington is ecstatic to come to Atlanta.

Asked how he will handle pressure on the field and relationship with quarterback Kirk Cousins:

Penix said that he doesn’t feel pressure any more. He played in the National Championship game and felt no pressure. It is the game that he loves and played since he was 5 years old.  He prepares himself mentally and physically for everything, then just goes about his business. He is ready for any moment. As for Kirk, he is planning to lead the team to win. “I am going to do my part and play my role.” Kirk is a veteran and a professional, there is allot to learn from him.

With a deep defensive line and lots of rotation, how are you feeling about your part:

Ruke is ready to contribute to the culture , excited to bring new energy to the team. With a big smile and energy beaming, Ruke noted that when he steps on the field, his energy level goes up and he cannot wait to get to work on and off the field. He is ready to learn from starting DT’s Grady Jarrett and David Onyemata, then put his own spin on what they teach.

Trice said this may sound corny, but, “I let go and let God.” He knows that God will handle the stress and pressure and Trice just does his job and trusts his teammates to do theirs.

Ruke commented on his style of play. He said it is fast, physical and aggressive. He is always ready to put his nose into stuff, is not scared of anything, and is ready to do the dirty work. He tries to model himself after Kansas City DT Chris Jones, he is tall and good with hands. Jones always sees what he hits. Ruke is preparing to slow down in his head and see the bigger picture.

Trice on preparing to be an aggressive edge rusher. He began by commenting on many edge rushers that just focus on the passing game and are going after the sack count. Trice plans to focus on the rushing game as much as the passing game. He wants to be aggressive and take on any situation. He models himself after the Las Vegas Raiders’ Max Crosby, he is all effort, relentless. Trice had 16 sacks in his last 28 games, sounds like he goes after the passer quite successfully.

Things may change entering the NFL now, but they are already planning how to prepare on game day.

Penix prays, has a favorite gospel song “God’s Got a Blessing,” then kicks other tunes to pump up. Penix’s song ensures that he keeps his head up, through many difficult circumstances over the years, he realizes that there are no excuses, you have to overcome and help the team win.

Ruke starts his time on the field with a prayer, then walks around alone and visualizes everything he did in practice and what he plans to do on the field that day.

Trice has a good prayer the night before. Then on gameday, after meetings and prep, he tries to slip in a 30-minute nap to refresh. We will see if he manages nap time in the busy NFL Sunday.

Asked what it means to have played in front of their families over the years, Trice said that seeing his Mom in the stands nearly makes him tear up. His Mom did allot for him and his siblings and is so happy, that motivates him to be great for her and the people around him and God.

Ruke asked his family not to come his freshman year at Clemson as he did not play and was mad about it. Parents still came, they were just happy to see him in his jersey on the sideline. That gave him inspiration and now gives him extra energy to play.

Penix talked about the many sacrifices his parents made and he has to pay them back, on the field and as a man. He always looks for his parents in the stands and knows that it is a true blessing to be able to play.

Penix is excited to work with Offensive Coordinator Zac Robinson and Quarterback Coach TJ Yates. They both have great personalities. Penix loves being in a QB room with coaches that can relate to you, your position and experience of being a rookie in the league. They are going to ensure Penix gets to where he wants to be.

Ruke is excited to play with Jarrett, he noted “it’s crazy, been watching film on him since freshman year and now I to get to soak up the knowledge from him directly.”

Trice played for new Defensive Coordinator Jimmy Lake when Lake was the head coach of U of W. Trice called Lake as soon as he got drafted saying, “Let’s turn it up.” Trice knows Lake’s style of coaching and how he leads a team. Lake knows how to flip the switch, be nasty and get everyone in same mindset.

Having come from the latest national championship contender, Penix said the major change is that this is your job now. In college, you have classes and football, here, football is everything. While you have more time to learn, you need to watch the veterans, they won’t tell or teach you everything, so you have to notice the small things and better your game on your own.

Clemson and U of W have been pumping guys into the league lately and Trice and Ruke have many resources to reach out to for assistance and questions. Clemson being D Line U, Ruke reached out to former teammates like Dexter Lawrence and Christian Wilkins who are always willing to provide advice, no question is a dumb question and Ruke has appreciated that.

Although everyone’s time in Atlanta has been limited, mostly at Flowery Branch, Trice noted that the folks around are always so nice and welcoming and trying to have conversations vs. many places, people don’t even look up to speak. Ruke is very familiar and knows the lay of the land and is planning to take the guys to all the good restaurants, “I like to eat” he says with a big smile.

If they could be as good at another sport as they are at football, Penix would be a golfer. He just started playing recently and isn’t that good, but gets really happy when he gets the ball on the green. It is a good sport that you can play for a long time. Ruke said he is already good at basketball, so he would do baseball, that is where the big bank is. Trice played tennis for 6 years and was pretty good, so he would continue tennis. It provides lots of cardio and movement and is addicting when you are good at it. Arch is concerned about starign Trice down across the tennis net, but is excited to tell Penix about all the great local golf courses.

And finally, the big question….what is your WHY?

Penix has two younger brothers and they have been looking up to him from a very young age. He noticed at 14, his brothers would come home from school talking about what their friends had said about him. He realized that his brothers were going to copy him, so he needed to be great on the field and a role model off the field. He wanted to show them that you can be strong and overcome adversity. Even though they are spread across the country, he wants to show them, every time he steps on the field, what they can also become, that adversity comes to everybody, but adversity can’t stop you.

Ruke plays for the shear love of the game. He loves every aspect, when your “legs are heavy, drives me to grind harder.” “If love and respect the game, it will love you back.”

Trice does it all for Mom. She set him up for success, sacrificed for him. He wants to take care of her. He loves the game, but first, plays for Mom.

All of the guys are super excited to step into and out of the tunnel for the first time, come onto the field, see the fans, the stadium view. Penix said he is excited to see the fans, run on the field and WIN A CHAMPIONSHIP.

We are with you Penix, we are with you.

#RISEUP #DIRTYBIRDS

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.” 

Dan Quinn Coach’s Show – Bears 30/Falcons 26

September 28, 2020

Dan Quinn joined Dave Archer on 92.9 The Game for the weekly Coach’s Show.

Over the last 2 weeks, it has been tough. This is as challenged as you can get, but lessons are here to be learned.

The coaches are talking to the players about the difference in playing hard vs. playing well.  This was not a tale of two halves, but a tale of the 4th.  It started with a missed a kick, then 3 and outs and inability to stop the Bears. 

Quinn was pleased that the Falcons “Ran the ball better, defense was much improved on 3rd down. Just need “lessons of finishing, can’t miss those.”

A coach knows the team and this locker room is tough enough to get fixed.

With so many defenders and leaders out Sunday, as well as Julio Jones, is it difficult to find experience to compete?  How deep you have to dive is a double-edged sword.  Many of these players are getting way more playing time than they normally would at this time, so you can see what they can handle.  “This will pay dividends in the future.  Many may be playing this week.”  There is always stuff to learn and gain and grow from in loss. 

Asked about the lack of experience, with rookies and practice squad guys coming up, could they have tightness creeping in?  Quinn said, “Not really,” players should be making the plays that come your way, You always look back at the throw or tackle or turnover missed.  “You don’t get multiple chances – focus issues.  Have to close it.”

When you look at last two weeks and try to find root of trouble, how do you break the game down?  Quinn replied that they look for the turnover margin – to gain a possession or protect the ball, explosive plays, as those flip the field; then break off and deep dive review those.  Last week, they focused on the run game and that was improved.  Quinn commented “Always some part that needs to improve.”  Yeah, we just need to tweak that one thing to be better.

Quinn noted the team will really work on the 4 minute offense this week.

Do you worry about the psyche of the team? “When you don’t get what you want, emotions come through – angry, upset.” The team has been challenged, and will take the lessons from the L’s and are going to be able to close it.  Each game is a different story.

Quinn complimented the offensive line and the run game.  Todd Gurley and Brian Hill had successful games.  Gurley’s physicality has increased, pushing guys out of the way.  Gurley and Hill both run really hard.  Hill has really transitioned and worked really hard at his craft, facing adversity but changed his narrative. Calvin Ridley worked really hard in the off season, with Julio in or out, he is taking the next step and being really aggressive. 

Darqueze Dennard started at nickel, but with AJ Terrell out, moved out to corner back Sunday.  “He is a rare competitor.”  Even in practice, he picked off in front of Russell Gage, but then coached him up to tell him how and why he was able to.

Mykal Walker was in for Foye Oluokun.  Certainly encouraged, felt his speed and length in man to man coverage.  Jaylinn Hawkins making an impact on special teams, but good hitter on defense.  Marlon Davidson had his first game and was making some plays and will get better.

Asked about what will happen if Younghoe Koo cannot go this weekend.  Quinn said that Sterling Hofrichter can do some kicking.  Also have a punter and kicker on the practice squad, “Will see how everyone looks as the week progresses.  All of the practice squad guys get good practice during the week so everyone is ready if needed. “

Player of the Game – Grady Jarrett

September 21, 2020 

Hosted by Dave Archer on 92.9 The Game

Dave Archer started out with accolades for Pro Bowler Defense Tackle Grady Jarrett.  Then asked for Grady’s thoughts on the game.

“We started out real hot, but have to finish to the end.” Grady’s advice is that we need to make sure and “Don’t let this one loss beat us more than once.”  It was a tough loss since the team went so hard and so long and then the game ends in a loss.  He admitted that it hurts, but you have to turn that around.

Also asked about the turnaround after the half, Grady also responded that the Cowboys had some explosive plays.  They were just taking shots and they were going in their favor.  Grady was not, but he was not sure if some of the team was getting comfortable, but you need to stay with the same intensity as the first half.  It felt really good getting tackles for loss, forced fumbles and recoveries, but have to maintain that.

Asked about the injuries and difference in the first and second half.  Grady said, “Next man up.”  A number of the guys that were making those big plays were out, Takk McKinley, Foye Oluokun, and affected the rhythm.  Grady admitted that “It definitely affects us when we lose starters, but you have to next man up and keep pushing and let that be an excuse.”  That is Grady.  No excuses. 

Grady complimented the veteran running back Ezekiel Elliott, after containing and frustrating him in the first half, he really got going in 2nd half.  He is always very competitive and he is a super strong runner.

Grady is always relentless in his play, so his advice to teammates after a loss is “demand more of yourself, be self-critical early – so we can get on the right track.”  He noted that this will lead to being a better team, for yourself and your teammates.  Teams have finally noticed and are really blocking Grady now.  He said, that “We know teams will try to slide protections to me or double me, we work as a team to deal with that.”

Asked about “The New Normal” specifically on traveling after their first away game, Grady is accepting of the masks and trackers, the way that food is sent up at the hotel, but at the end of the day, he’s just happy to be playing football.  “In life you have to adjust.”

Does anyone have a better attitude than Grady?

He is also one of the leaders for Social Justice for the Falcons.  Archer asked if Grady was pleased with the voice?  He commented that it is encouraging to see it continuing to go and that hopefully the NFL and others will keep pushing the message forward and be the topic of conversation, bringing attention to what needs to be changed.  Grady said, “I am encouraged and excited the league has made it more acceptable for players to speak out.  Hope to continue to make some good impact.” 

As a leader on and off the field, what can Grady say to the team?  “Make sure people are focused on what they can control.”  The team needs to be preparing for Chicago, physically, emotionally.  Now, you can’t do anything but move on.  “Go forward.  Control the controllable.  I put in the work day in and day out and encourage my teammates to do the same.”  Leading by example.

What good advice to the world.

 #RiseUp

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