Gameday Goods – Page 11 – FalconAlley Football

FalconAlley Falcons

8pm – August 29

This is my roster, very close to the 53 and without practice squad. I know I have too many WR, but assumption is Nick Williams and Andre Roberts are more ST until they can move themselves up. And realize, the defensive guys are listed at X position, but many of them play a couple of different positions in Dan Quinn’s scheme.

I am picking Ben Garland as MY starting right guard, but keeping Wes Schweitzer on the roster. I am sure I am off on the O line side, but we may also pick someone up after the cuts.

I think we will keep Jalen Collins on the team for now. He will not cost money or a roster spot and think we will have someone watch over him (even secretly – not sure the exact rules on suspension) and see if he is in ballgame shape and our roster status by week 11.

FalconAlley’s Official Roster (Guess)

#	Name	Pos.	Wt.	Age	Exp.
51	Mack, Alex	C	311	31	9
23	Alford, Robert	CB	186	28	5
29	Goodwin, C.J.	CB	190	27	2
27	Kazee, Damontae	CB	174	24	0
34	Poole, Brian	CB	211	24	2
21	Trufant, Desmond	CB	190	26	5
99	Clayborn, Adrian	DE	280	29	7
95	Crawford, Jack	DE	288	28	6
98	McKinley, Takkarist	DE	250	21	0
50	Reed, Brooks	DE	254	30	7
90	Shelby, Derrick	DE	280	28	6
77	Hageman, Ra’Shede	DT	318	27	4
97	Jarrett, Grady	DT	305	24	3
91	Upshaw, Courtney	DT	272	27	6
40	Coleman, Derrick	FB	233	26	4
63	Garland, Ben	G	308	29	4
67	Levitre, Andy	G	303	31	9
71	Schweitzer, Wes	G	314	23	2
3	Bryant, Matt	K	203	42	16
45	Jones, Deion	LB	222	22	2
53	Reynolds, LaRoy	LB	240	26	5
47	Harris, Josh	LS	224	28	6
92	Poe, Dontari	NT	346	27	6
64	Harlow, Sean	OG	284	22	0
66	Graf, Kevin	OL	309	26	2
74	Tialavea, D.J.	OL	260	26	4
44	Beasley, Vic	OLB	246	25	3
59	Campbell, De’Vondre	OLB	232	24	2
42	Riley, Duke	OLB	218	23	0
5	Bosher, Matt	P	208	29	7
2	Ryan, Matt	QB	217	32	10
8	Schaub, Matt	QB	245	36	14
4	Simms, Matt	QB	210	28	4
26	Coleman, Tevin	RB	210	24	3
24	Freeman, Devonta	RB	206	25	4
28	Ward, Terron	RB	201	25	3
37	Allen, Ricardo	S	186	25	3
36	Ishmael, Kemal	S	206	26	5
22	Neal, Keanu	S	211	22	2
70	Matthews, Jake	T	305	25	4
73	Schraeder, Ryan	T	300	29	5
81	Hooper, Austin	TE	248	22	2
85	Saubert, Eric	TE	253	23	0
80	Toilolo, Levine	TE	265	26	5
1	Davis, Reggie	WR	170	21	R
18	Gabriel, Taylor	WR	167	26	4
14	Hardy, Justin	WR	192	25	3
11	Jones, Julio	WR	220	28	7
19	Roberts, Andre	WR	192	29	8
12	Sanu, Mohamed	WR	210	28	6
15	Williams, Nick	WR	184	26	4

Now, let’s see if DQ and TD listen to me.

#RiseUp

Featured Photo Credit: Atlanta Falcons

Defense on Display

August 26, 2017

Arizona 24 at Atlanta 14

Allison Smith

Apparently our strategy this year is to not show ANYTHING on offense until the season begins. This game was rough. Julio Jones and Taylor Gabriel made their preseason debut, however neither had a catch in their limited playing time. Both looked excellent in warm ups, so no concern there, but the rest of the O, under Matt Ryan and Matt Schaub did NOT look like our typical offense.

So, let’s talk about the defense. This was a start studded event tonight. The defense caused 5 fumbles and recovered 3 of those. Everyone looked good, the veterans, the rookies, a fierce “see ball, get ball” D for sure.

Atlanta gave Arizona the ball to start. On their third offensive play, Adrian Clayborn punched the ball out and an offensive lineman recovered. Thanks to Ricardo Allen’s pass break ups, two plays later, Arizona had to punt. That, was also not pretty. Andre Roberts dropped the ball, but luckily Terron Ward had his eye on the ball to recover. Or not, since the Falcons came out and with one offensive play, Matt Ryan’s first play, first pass, was aimed at Levine Toilolo, but was tipped and intercepted.

Again, turn to the positive, the Atlanta D stepped up and with the Cardinals closing in on the end zone, Allen had another pass break up in the end zone, then Keanu Neal caused the 2^nd fumble of the game which was recovered by Duke Riley. All of that was still early in the first quarter.

082617 Takk Fumble Recovery — Jack & Takk Show – Crawford causes fumble that McKinley recovers. Photo Courtesy of NFL.com

Defensive highlights include the Jack & Takk Show. Takk McKinley and Jack Crawford have buddied up to disrupt play. Takk knocked a ball out early, but the play was called dead, which Dan Quinn challenged, to no avail. Next play, Takk’s pressure on QB Drew Stanton forced him in to the waiting arms of Crawford, which forced a long field goal. Later in the game, Crawford caused a running back fumble, which Takk recovered after running over the blockers like they were not even there. Takk is going to be incredible this season.

As always, Grady Jarrett and Vic Beasley, Jr. were applying great pressure to the quarterback, forcing rushed and errant throws. Deion Jones had 4 tackles in the first quarter alone, while Neal continued his tough hitting style for which he is known. Courtney Upshaw caused the other fumble that Arizona recovered, and late in the 3^rd quarter Jalen Collins caused a fumble which CJ Goodwin was able to recover for the Falcons.

While the defense did give up 24 points, these points were against guys that are likely not going to be on the team this time next week. Not solely based on this game, but a number of guys are not helping themselves.

The offensive highlight is now suddenly Matt Sims. On Matt Schaub’s first play of the game, he had a fumble that Arizona recovered and lead to their 2^nd touchdown – on a short field. Sims threw the only touchdown for the Falcons and led them to the successful 2-point conversion.

While special teams still looked questionable, not the key Matt’s of course, Matt Bryant making his field goals, and except for one short kick, Matt Bosher was his typical kicking self. At least no big returns were allowed this week.

Wes Schweitzer did get the start at right guard, however Ben Garland and he split the time evenly and remains “too close to call” per DQ.

Couple of injuries of note. LaRoy Reynolds who started all 3 preseason games at middle linebacker went out early with a shoulder injury. Brian Hill, after looking better with the first team than in the first 2 preseason games went out with an ankle.

While I was frustrated and yelled allot, I am not concerned about our offense once the games are for real. And if this defense cannot get you excited, no need to show up at The Benz this year. Remember, this is just preseason, a test for players and time for others to get into some rhythm.

Feature Photo Courtesy of Atlanta Falcons

Competition Continues in Preseason Game 2

Atlanta 13 / Pittsburgh 17

August 22, 2017

Allison Smith

No big surprises Sunday during the second Atlanta Falcons preseason game. Once again, the first team offense came out on fire. After the defense caused a 3 and out for the Pittsburg Steelers, the offense took 10 plays and just over 4 minutes to score on their opening drive once again. Terron Ward ran in a 5-yard touchdown. Ward is definitely making his argument for the 3^rd running back spot. Granted, Brian Hill, is playing with weaker blockers, but he is still not making great moves to prove his draft day statement of “being the best running back in the draft.”

Another draft pick that is not helping himself so far is Eric Saubert. Saubert had 4 penalties in 2 preseason games with limited catches for his targets. The tight end spot is really Austin Hooper’s to lose, and not looking like anyone is going to give him much competition at this point.

There were 13 different receivers this week, most hauling in catches from 3^rd string, Matt Sims, who played most of the game. Interesting note, nearly all of the passes were for over 10 yards. Looks like the coaching staff is getting some good looks at the offense, as both Julio Jones and Taylor Gabriel were in street clothes for the game.

The second offensive possession for the Steelers was the same as the first, another 3 and out. Duke Riley and Grady Jarrett were not letting anything happen. On the opening drive, Jarrett had a strip sack, which was ruled an incomplete pass, to force the Steelers first punt of the day. In limited playing time, Jarrett was swarming the ball and making ball carriers regret their carries. Riley finished with 2 tackles and 2 assists and was alert and focused enough to collect and down the blocked punt. Riley is living up to his hype.

Another defensive rookie that is living up to his hype is Damontae Kazee. From his corner spot, he had 3 tackles on the day and was contributing well on special teams, until going out with a sprained ankle. He had issues in training camp with his ankle, nothing too serious, but he will not play against Arizona on Saturday.

Possibly the most shocking statement I will ever say is, Falcons Special Teams is failing. Don’t worry, I don’t mean our dependable long snapper, or either of the Matt’s, but the rest of the squad was not having a good day. Whether allowing punt returns for touchdowns or allowing Matt Bosher’s punt to be blocked, the overall coverage was suspect at best. I am sure that Keith Armstrong will remedy this situation quickly. Realize that many rookies, drafted and undrafted, are seeing special teams time. The two players helping themselves the most with good returns are two locals, hometown favorite Reggie Davis out of Georgia and Andre Roberts from the Citadel. Davis also had 3 receptions for 74 yards, one impressive 44-yard catch.

Takk McKinley finally saw some playing time, and by that I mean 10 plays. While Takk did not log a tackle, he looked good, was getting in some good blocking and hits. Look forward to seeing him play more against Arizona.

Overall, the defense was fast and constantly moving the quarterbacks off their spots. And a week after De’Vondre Campbell’s interception, he causes a Pittsburg fumble, but the Falcons were unable to recover the ball in bounds.

The right guard battle is still tight with Wes Schweitzer getting the start this week, but sharing time with Ben Garland. I wonder if Head Coach Dan Quinn will actually name a right guard for the season, or they will divide playing time, as Garland is extremely versatile as a back-up center and occasionally helping out on defense.

In the end, it was the second preseason game, which is all about evaluations and after the first half a little rough to watch. Look out, the official opening of The Benz is Saturday, August 26^th, game 3, where the starter will likely play into the 2^nd half and the Benz will be rocking. Look for the largest crowd for a preseason game in the NFL this year.

#RiseUp

Cover Photo: Atlanta Falcons