An excellent question after week 1 of Atlanta Falcons football. While we could not attend the opening game of 2020 in person, after a while, you didn’t regret that. The long 4 + hour drive back to Charlotte, the exhaustion from being up at 5 a.m., the expensive of gas and snacks and game goodies. Glass half full.
Also, in the glass half full category, the good of the game. The Falcons have 3 leaders in the league after week one. MattRyan leads all quarterbacks with 450 passing yards, JulioJones leads all receivers with 157 yards, and TakkMcKinley lead the NFL with 6 quarterback hits. The Falcons also had 3 receivers with over 100 yards each. CalvinRidley with 130 yards and RussellGage with 114 yards, joining Julio. Early in the fourth quarter, Ryan passed JohnElway to become the 9th all-time NFL passer.
TE HaydenHurst had a good Falcons debut with 3 receptions for 38 yards, one, a stretching catch of 27 yards. His 2 additional targets were non-called PI’s, but we won’t get into that here.
ToddGurley’s debut was successful as well, while he was in the game. Gurley had 14 carries of 56 yards, one blast for 15 yards. BrianHill and ItoSmith combined for 4 carries of 16 yards, not what we want to see out of the additional running backs. QadreeOllison was not on the active roster Sunday. It appears the Falcons will attempt a one running back team, with Gurley being limited and relieved by Hill and Smith, but not the tandem we are use to from the past few years. Hopefully he can hold up.
Once again, like the last few seasons, short yardage and red zone inefficiencies plagued the offense. The offense was 0-4 on 4th down conversions, and 50% on 3rd downs, especially the short yardage 3rd downs. And once the Falcons were having to play catch up, they had to abandon the run game and be a throwing only offense. YounghoeKoo had 2 field goals over 40 yards, Gurley a single yard touchdown, and Ridley’s 7 and 18-yard touchdown receptions, late in the game. Touchdowns on 3rd downs and a missed 2-point conversion added to the frustration of the day.
The offensive line held up well. With Ryan’s 54 pass attempts, he was only sacked twice, so the blocking was good most of the time. Jake Matthews completely missed a block. JamesCarpenter and rookie MattHennessy were swapped out at Guard all day, both playing well, but no stand out yet. KalebMcGary’s play was good, but the Seattle pass rush is not the strongest the Falcons will see.
While the defense did give up 24 second half points, the offense did not help with 4 failed 4th down conversions that lead to Seattle scores, and other mistakes. While driving early, Gurley runs out of bounds instead of pushing for more yards, Matthews misses a block, the Gurley isn’t looking for the ball on the 4th down and the Seahawks get the ball at their own 40. The fake punt was executed perfectly, until the fumble. A pass to Julio for a 44-yard gain would have been a touchdown if placed properly. Little things along the way decide the game.
Of course, the referees did not help. On the Seahawks’ first possession, they were given 41 yards on a very questionable PI called on RicardoAllen. Hello, it’s Rico! Two plays later, a touchdown. The defense kept RussellWilson in the pocket, most of the day, but his arm still burned them. The front 7 were good overall, tallying 3 early sacks and holding running backs to 55 yards, only one rush over 12 yards. Of course, Wilson did get loose a few times, once or 28 yards himself, but since the Seahawks were limiting him, when he did take off, it was unexpected.
DeionJones made a good comeback with 9 tackles, followed by IsaiahOliver with 7 and rookie AJ Terrell with 6. Foye Oluokun and the returning KeanuNeal also tallied 6 a piece. GradyJarrett had 5 tackles, 1 for loss, 2 sacks and 3 QB hits.
Takk had the 6 QB hits, a sack, 4 tackles, and a pass defended – in an opportune time. JohnCominsky and DeadrinSenat both had limited playing time in 2019, but were active and aggressive on Sunday. DarquezeDennard was in for Rico much of the game and was missing tackles or at least not playing close in man to man coverage. Rico was in for 25 snaps, Keke for 51 and DamontaeKazee for all 62, wrapping with 4 tackles and playing as aggressive as ever.
The defense only gave up 14 points in the first half, but also caused no takeaways, which will be needed this year if the offense continues to sputter and not help themselves in crucial situations. The first touchdown, after the 41-yard gift, was a good play that would fool many defenses. It was a loop pass, just when the defenders think the running back has the ball, you realize he doesn’t, change your attention and Wilson finds him anyway with the pass.
The defense only gave up a couple of big plays, but one was a 4th and short that went for a touchdown, Oliver was burned. Overall, they need to tighten up the man to man coverage. The pass rush was successful in the first half. Dante Fowler was taking on major guard blocks, allowing others to get to Wilson, and sniffed out the toss sweep for a big stop and loss. Overall, the tackling wasn’t bad, Seattle was very physical and Wilson nearly perfect.
Keke did look good, back to 100% after another season of being injured. Even with him on the field, Rico was playing in the box, which he did some last year, but may account for his lack of tackles on Sunday. The rookies did not have first outings. Terrell wasn’t picked on or challenged directly, but he held up well. Seattle was running over routes, which is hard for anyone to guard and stay glued to the man. Mykal Walker was in the box and had limited time, but was active, similar playing still to Keke, although he didn’t knock anyone’s head off.
SterlingHofrichter has 2 punts, a 45 yarder and 55-yarder, with one return of 15 yards, on a missed tackle. Koo was good on both a 44 and 49-yard field goal, but missed an extra point.
On the plus side, the Falcons continued to fight on both sides of the ball. They were just out matched and out coached in some aspects. The offense had missed opportunities on good field position and the defense had no take-aways and only two 3 and outs in the game, the second with 8 minutes to go in the game.
The turnover ratio wasn’t all together bad. The fumble on the fake punt was crushing, but the other was an interception at the end of the game in the end zone, so technically 0-1 in the turnover margin. But the Falcons do need to force some turnovers to give the offense a short field, or score themselves.
Only 6 penalties on Falcons all day, one of which was the PI early in the game, which was questionable for big yards. So that was cleaned up
Photos Courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons – Dakota Williams, Kyle Hess, & Rob Foldy
I could title this “Too Little, Too Late,” but feel like I will need that later as I saw no change in the play from last year to this. The score and final stats are not the true story of this game. The Seahawks were playing off late in the game, when they knew it was a wrap.
The National Anthem is played by saxophonist, Mike Phillips and the Atlanta Falcons team and coaches stood locked arm in arm. The roof is open providing sun and warmth to the field.
Atlanta won the toss and received the ball. Brandon Powell watched the ball go out of the back of the end zone and the Falcons begin the 2020 season on the 25. Todd Gurley gets the first touch of the season and goes left for 6 yards. Gurley makes a big break up the middle for a 21 yard gain. Another handoff to Gurley goes for a 1 yard loss. From the shotgun, Matt Ryan has a 5 receiver set, but cannot connect with Julio Jones in coverage. Ryan finds Calvin Ridley along the sideline, who ensures to tap and drag all of his toes for a confirmed 19 yard gain. Back to Gurley for a short gain.
After a 3 step drop, Ryan is dropped, as he tosses the ball to the ground and is called for intentional grounding. Gurley was not looking for the pitch, causing the confusion and forcing the 3rd down. On 3rd and 16, Ryan lobs the ball over the left side to Jones, who was standing short of the first down marker. Younghoe Koo comes on to successfully kick a 49-yard field goal.
At the 11:11 mark in the first quarter, the Falcons lead 3/0.
Russell Wilson brings the Seattle offense out to begin on their 23. The first play, TAKK MCKINLEY comes out and sacks Wilson for a huge loss of 9 yards. Russell then finds Tyler Lockett for a big gain, leaving a 3rd and 4 near the 30. Wilson finds former Carolina Panther and thorn in the Falcons’ side, Greg Olsen, for the first down. He is covered by Darqueze Dennard, who was covering Lockett on the previous play.
A quick run on 1st down gains 4 yards. Wilson drops back and hits Chris Carson for another first down, immediately stopped by Keanu Neal on his first hit of the year. Grady Jarrett pressures Wilson, but he scrambles out and finds Carson for 6 yards where Foye Oluokun stops him. A rushing first down moves the Seahawks to the Falcons 38. Wilson scrambles and hits Lockett near the sideline, again, covereed by 34. Isaiah Oliver has DK Metcalf covered perfectly so that Wilson can’t throw his way. A holding call is called on an offensive lineman, backing the Seahawks up.
On 2nd and 15, GRADY JARRETT comes around the left side and levels Wilson. Now it is 3rd and 23, back across the 50, Wilson lobs it near the 10 for an incompletion. Pass interference is called on Ricardo Allen, giving the Seahawks a freebie at the 10. I won’t even comment on this BS call. Wilson hits a receiver on the right, but he is stopped by Clemson rookie, AJ Terrell, before he can reach the end zone. On 2nd and goal, Wilson dumps it to Carson on the right side for the touchdown.
At the 4:43 mark in the first quarter, the Seahawks take the lead 7/3.
Ryan and the O begin again at the 25, play fake to Gurley, Ryan hits Jones for a first down……he catches at the 40, then crosses to the Seahawks 47. After another fake to Gurley, but nothing is open and Ryan passes to Gurley, who is stopped at the line. On 2nd and 10, from the shotgun, Ryan tosses to Gurley who gains 9 yards by speeding to the right side. At the line, Ryan hands off to Brian Hill behind the line and he is stopped by Bobby Wagner still, behind the line. Fourth down and going for it. Three set receivers to the right, but the line cannot hold up, the Seahawks are in Ryan’s face immediately from the right side and knocks the pass out of the air. Turnover on downs.
Seattle starts at their own 40 and Wilson passes to DJ Metcalf for 13 yards, where Oliver stops him. Then Wilson runs up the left for 28 yards, finally stopped by Deadrin Senat. First and 10 from the Falcons 19, a quick dump to Carson on the left and antother Seahawk touchdown. There was literally no one on the left side to touch Carson.
With 53 seconds left in the first quarter, the Falcons are now down 14/3.
Back on the field, Ryan hands to Hill on the left side for a quick first down. The offensive line holds up forever, Ryan finds Hayden Hurst at the Seahawks 34 for a first down. He zoomed down the field and made an awesome stretching catch.
The first quarter ends, with the Falcons driving, but down 11 points.
Hill gets the call, wide around the left side for minimal game. Second and 4, with 2 tight ends, Ryan finds Ridley at the first down marker, then he bounces back in to gain another 10+ yards. First and 10 just inside the 20, a sidepass to Ridley for a 1 yard loss. Second and 11 with a 3 receiver triangle set to the right. Behind good blocking, Ryan has time to find Russell Gage who pushes to the 4-yard line. From the 4, Gurley gets the handoff twice before the Seahawks call a time out. Following the timeout, Gurley gets the call on 3rd and goal and makes his first touchdown as an Atlanta Falcon! After a Matt Gono penalty, the extra point is moved back and Koo misses.
With 11:25 to go in the first half, the Falcons are down by 5.
Travis Homer gets the first handoff on this Seattle drive, he is stopped at the line by McKinley and Oliver. On 2nd and 10, Wilson finds Homer for a pass on the right side, he is immediately stopped by Neal for a 3-yard gain. On 3rd and 7, Wilson can’t find anyone and GRADY JARETT gets his second sack of the game. Downfield was covered well, particularly by Terrell and Oliver, providing the line time to get to Wilson. The Seahaws are forced to punt.
The Falcons’ offense takes the field at their own 25. Ryan fakes to Gurley, under pressure he tosses toward the sideline. On 2nd and 10, Ryan hands to Gurley for a 4-yard gain up the middle. Ryan finds Gage across the middle, across the 40-yard line for another first down. Another fake to Gurley, but no one is open and Ryan has to toss the ball out of bounds again. A quick short pass to Gage along the right side for limited gain. On 3rd and 6, Ryan is in the shotgun and is immediately sacked from the right side by Jamal Adams.
SterlingHofrichter punts 55 yards to the 8, where the returner initially escapes Olamide Zaccheaus, but then is caught from behind after a 15 yard return.
Wilson begins the drive with another completion to Will Dissly for 5 yards. Carlos Hyde runs up the middle and was stopped by Allen after a first down. From the 37, Wilson fakes a handoff, cannot find a receiver, then scrambles up the middle to the line of scrimmage. On 2nd and 8, Wilson drops back and delivers to Lockett for a few yards, stopped by Oluokun. A 3rd and 2 near the 50, Wilson under pressure flings it low to Metcalf being covered perfectly by Oliver, it is incomplete. A punt to the 11 is caught by Powell.
With 4 minutes remaining in the half, the Falcons have a false start by Ridley, half the distance to the goal. First and 15 from the 5, Ryan is in the shotgun and hands to Ito Smith, who gains 4 yards up the middle. On 2nd and 11, Ryan tosses it to Hurst, who was hit as the ball arrived and could not haul in the pass. The defender was there early, but games are not called equally. Ryan throws to Jones, short of the first down. After only a minute off the clock and the Falcons have to punt back to Wilson.
Seattle start the final 2 ½ minutes on their own 40. The Seahawks gain a quick 4 yards as Jarrett and McKinely converge to make the stop.
After the 2 minute warming, Wilson tries to call the D offsides, instead backs his own team up to a 2nd and 11 at the 39. He throws a screen to the left to Carson, who is immediately stopped. The Falcons call time out to stop the clock at 1:52. On 3rd and 6, Wilson drops back and as pressure is coming close (McKinley), he passes over to #25 who was knocked out of bounds by Deion Jones. The Seahawks are forced to punt.
The Falcons take over the ball at their own 9 with a minute and a half to go. A quick pass that Luke Stocker cannot hold onto. Second and 10, Ryan hands to Gurley who gets exactly to the first down marker. Ryan drops back and finds Jones in the middle of the field just across the first down marker, but the pass is ruled incomplete. With 1:08 to go, the Falcons throw to Ridley, who has room, so does not run out of bounds and gains 22 yards. There was as defensive penalty that was declined, but stopped the clock. At the 41, Ryan dumps to Gurley, but there is another flag on the play. Ridley is called for an illegal formation. Christian Blake was the target, but Shaquille Griffin was called for PI, finally a call against the Seahawks, and an automatic first down. With 43 seconds to go, Ryan throws an incompletion. On 2nd and 10, near midfield, a blitz off the edge, Gurley saves Ryan’s life with a block and Ryan finds Gage. A quick pass toward Gage, is out of his reach, but stops the clock. On 2nd and 10 with 23 seconds, Ryan finds Gage, but the ball pops back out – no catch. Now, 3rd and 10 from the Seattle 40, Ryan lofts it to Gage over the middle for a first down, within field goal range. Gage was hit helmet to helmet, but no call. Gage had to come off the field after a medical time out.
Seattle now calls a time out. It is 1st and 10 with 12 seconds to go and the Falcons have the ball on the Seattle 30. A three tight end package comes in to move the ball to Koo’s favorite spot on the field. With 3 seconds to go, the Falcons call a time out and Koo comes on for a 49-yard field goal.
The Falcons go to half, down by 2, Seattle 14, Atlanta 12.
The Seahawks began the 2nd half on their own 25. Wilson hands off to Carson who easily gains 11 yards along the right side. Wilson drops back and throws to a wide open Metcalf, but he cannot haul in the pass. Oliver was in coverage, but not close enough. On 2nd and 10 Wilson finds Dissly near the sideline for a 3 yard gain, shoved out quickly by McKinley. From the shotfun, Wilson slings to Metcalf, who catches the ball, extends the ball over the first down marker with Oliver clinging to him. Carlos Hyde runs into Dante Fowler after a 2-yard gain. One 2nd down, Wilson drops back to Jacob Hollister for a first down, where Neal locks him up. Lockett gains 4 yards before being stopped by Allen. The Falcons had 12 men on the field, so it is now 1st and 5 from the Falcons’ 38. Wilson has allot of time, but everyone is covered. McKinley tips the ball to make it an errant throw. Hyde is wrapped up by Jarrett for a 1 yard gain. On a 3rd and 4, Wilson tosses back to Homer and is met by Jones and a slew of other Falcons. Jones saw the play develop and sped to that side to make the play. On 4th and 5 from the 38 yard line, Wilson finds Metcalf who beats Oliver for a 38 yard touchdown.
With 9:41 to go in the 3rd quarter, Seattle extends their lead to 21, Atlanta 12.
Ryan and the offense return to the 25 and a Gurley hand off goes for a 2-yard gain. On 2nd down, another Gurley handoff for another 2 yards. Hurst makes the reception for 4 yards, causing a 4th and 2. A fake punt, Sharrod Neasman goes up the middle, gains the first down, but fumbles the ball and Seattle takes over on the Atlanta 36.
Seattle rushes for a couple of yards. Wilson throws on the run to Lockett for a first down at the Falcons’ 23, where he is wrapped up by Oluokun. Terrell forces Carson out of bounds at the 19. After a Seattle timeout, Moore takes the handoff, drops it and picks it back up and still moves the ball to the 7. Oluokun was looking to snatch up the ball, while 3 other defenders missed making a tackle. The next play is a quick pass to the wide open Olsen standing in the end zone, alone.
With 5 minutes remaining in the 3rd quarter, the Seahawks extend their lead 28 to 12.
Atlanta, begins again, at the 25. Ryan, from the shotgun, throws the ball up to Jones, for a 44 yard reception. A double stop and step gives Jones the opening he needed to jet. From the Seattle 31, a shovel pass to Gurley for a minimal gain. Ryan was being hit by Adams, but Jones still makes the reception, pushing away a defender and catching the ball with his right hand and left thigh. Another first down. Gurley has a 1 yard rush. Another reception by Jones, a battle then a few yards. Gurley gains another few yards on the left side. Fourth and 2 at the 10. Ryan fakes a handoff, goes running to the right and ends up getting sacked and turning the ball over on downs. Again.
On their first play, Lockett makes a 16-yard reception, stopped by Terrell. Damontae Kazee shoves Lockett out of bounds after another 20-yard reception.
With one quarter to go, the Seahawks are driving and lead the Falcons 28/12.
Terrell makes the stop on Moore. Lockett gets past Jones for another first down. From the 31, Hyde is stopped by Oluokun aftere a minimal gain. On 2nd and 9 from the 30, there is a false start, moving them back to 3rd and 14. Then Olsen jumps. 3rd and 19. Wilson from the 40, is scrambling, runs to the sideline under durress from Jarrett. A holding penalty on the offense moves the Seahawks even farther back. Second down and 29 from midfield, Wilson completes a pass to Lockett near the 40. Now a 3rd and 19, Wilson connects with Freddy Swain, but not enough for a first down. A 46-yard field goal adds another 3 to the Seattle lead.
With 11:19 to go in the game, Seattle 31 – Atlanta 12.
Ryan starts with a big pass up the middle to Jones, then another on the sideline to Gage. Suddenly, the Falcons are at the 50, then a quick shot to Ridley along the right side for another first down. Another great foot drag by Ridley. From the 36, another successful pass to Jones in the middle to put the Falcons in the red zone. Then WIDE OPEN CALVIN RIDLEY is in the end zone. Griffin was knocked down by his own man, leaving the speeding Ridley in the end zone alone. Hurst was not able to catch the 2-point conversion as he was covered before the ball was thrown by Adams, another no call.
The Falcons trail 31-18 with 9:29 remaining in the game.
An aggressive defense stops the Seahawks for a 3 yard loss. A quick pass to Olsen leaves them with a 3rd and 9. Seattle can’t make the reception and are forced to punt.
Powell returns the punt a few yards and the Falcons’ offense will start on their own 30. Ryan steps up and throws to Ridley for a first down. Across the middle, Jones makes another first down reception. At the Seattle 42, Ryan hits Hurst who makes it out of bounds to stop the clock. Ryan throws just over Hurst at the 15, where Griffin tips the ball off target. Ryan delivers a rocket behind Ridley, nearly causing an interception. On 4th and 3 at the 32, Ryan throws outside to Ridley, who can not hold on to the pass.
Seattle takes over the ball at the Falcons’ 35. They rush up the middle for a single yard gain. The Falcons take a time out. Wilson throws 37 yards up to Metcalf, who has great separation from Terrell, Kazee tackles and takes him out of bounds. Olsen makes the next reception for 4 yards before Kazee knocks him out. Hyde gains 2 yards as the Falcons take their final timeout. After a fake handoff, Wilson is scrambling, nearly sacked by McKinley, throwing under a DB, Wilson still makes the pass. From the 3, Homer rushes for a yard. Hyde goes up the middle for another Seattle touchdown.
With still 3:45 to play in the game, Seattle is up by 20, 38 to 18.
Gage escapes a defender, then leaps over another. Hill rushes for 5 yards. On 2nd and 5, Ryan finds Ridley for another first down, inbounds. Ryan delivers to Gage again, just passed the first down marker. The clock stops for the 2 minute warning.
Ryan dumps the ball over to Smith – who is immediately blown up after gaining 1 yard. Then throws short up the middle to Smith who is nearly killed. On 3rd and 7, Ryan finds Ridley over the middle for a first down. From the 6, Ryan drops back and throws to Smith near the line of scrimmage on the left edge. From the 7, Ryan lofts the ball way into the air, over Gage and out of the side of the end zone. 3rd and goal, Ryan starts to run, then throws to Ridley, just inside the goal line. After a successful extra point, the Falcons are down 38/25 with half a minte to go.
The onsides kick is successful, Oluokun picks the ball out of the air right at the 10 yard mark. The Falcons have the ball at the 46. Ryan finds Gage on the sideline for another first down. From the Seattle 38, Ryan throws into the end zone for an interception by Quandre Diggs. Hurst is the closest Falcon to the ball.
With 19 seconds to go, Seattle takes a knee to end the game.
Wow. Talk about two steps forward and one step back. Fans completely discounted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, then the team gets slaughtered, in their own house, first time back home in quite a while. And coming up in 4 days, the New Orleans Saints. Wanting revenge.
No one can seem to explain how the team could go so far backwards after 2 excellent games against good teams. The defense is back to cover 3, for no good reason. The Falcons didn’t have enough depth covering the Tampa Two plays. Most of what Tampa got were big plays. Obviously the 71-yard touchdown, but a 22-yard reception, on 2ndand 21, a 30-yard reception, on 3rdand 9, twice, converted on 24 and 25-yard runs. The Bucs were excellent on 3rddown conversions, while the Falcons were 25%, inside and outside the red zone. There were too many missed tackles. There were no sacks and only one hit onJameis Winston, when they had nearly lead the NFL is sacks allowed…and interceptions.
Deion Jones lead the team in tackles with 9 and had the only hit on Winston. Ricardo Allenwas on a mission with 9 tackles, tied withDamontae Kazee. De’Vondre Campbellhad 8 tackles, one for loss and one of the interceptions and a pass defended. Foye Oluokun, getting more playing time, had 5 tackles, and rookieKendall Sheffieldwith 4 and a near pass defended on a touchdown, but just out of reach. Qadree Ollisonhad 2 tackles – on punt returns. He is really making a contribution in limited playing time.
Winston was able to step up in the pocket and make plays, throwing for 313 yards and 3 touchdowns, with his 2 interceptions. The Bucs ran for an additional 133 yards. The Falcons tried to balance their man to man vs. zone, but whatever “disguising” was supposed to be happening was not working. While the Falcons did have 2 picks on the day, they got no points out of the first one, a touchdown out of the second. After starting out quickly, moving 68 yards in 3 plays, then stalling at the 7-yard line and ended up kicking a field goal to open the game. Instant momentum slasher themselves. Two plays later they get an interception, then end up punting themselves. There was never any momentum.
The Bucs had so few sacks all season and had given up the most in the NFL, until Sunday. They sackedMatt Ryan6 times and hit him 13 times. The Falcons’ offensive line was horrible. Allowing pressure, sacks, hits, or were holding. Wes Schweitzerwas rotated in, according toDan Quinn, as a designated/planned rotation. In my opinion, they need to revamp the entire line again (short ofAlex Mack– but need to think of a replacement for him before too much longer). And find someone that can evaluate O-Line talent, because the partial revamping done this season has not done any better than the last few years, while still keeping some of the weak points as back-ups. Jake MatthewsandKaleb McGaryneeded help andLuke Stockerwas in as a legit blocker, ie, no additional receivers down the field. Which explains how/whyJulio JonesandCalvin Ridleywere both double covered a couple of times, and Ryan still could not find anyone.
The Falcons could not run the ball, again. Ollison had 8 carries for 20 yards and Brian Hill 9 for 15 yards. Accuracy on passing or receiving was way off – even from our earlier bad games. Overall Ryan was 28 of 52. Ridley caught 6 of his 14 targets (some out of bounds so not drops or complete misses) for 85 yards. Russell Gage8 of 10 for 76 yards, with Jones limited to 5 of 9 receptions for 68 yards, one of which was 31 yards. Christian Blakecaught 2, Ollison 1. Jaeden Grahamcaught 1 of his 2 targets, which he turned into a 53-yarder.
Again, so many coaching decision questions. Down 15 points in the fourth quarter and go for the field goal instead of the touchdown. Late in the game, inside the 10 yard line – went for 3 passes and no run plays, after you had seen some good running from Ollison. Unlike most of the games in the first half of the season, there did not seem to be adjustments at half time, as the same team that went into the locker room at half is what came out after the half.
Julio moved up on the All Time Receiving Yards list – now 30th, passingCalvin Johnson.
One highlight continues to be Sheffield, who blocked an extra point that Sharrod Neasmen picked up and returned a long distance before being tackled.
Injury Report:
·Julio Jones tweaked his shoulder.
·Brian Hill – no information, but did play the rest of the game.
·Kemal Ishmael – no information, concussion in Panther game.
·Devonta Freeman – making progress, evaluation continues Tuesday/Wednesday.
·Austin Hooper – making progress, evaluation continues Tuesday/Wednesday.
·Chris Lindstrom – being evaluated, once released from IR will determine play date.
Golden Talon
Qadree Ollison– coming in when called, scoring another touchdown, 2 special teams tackles, trying to make things happen.
De’Vondre Campbell– another interception, nearly leading in tackles again.
The Falcons return home after a long time away from Mercedes
Benz Stadium, ready to host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Inactives for the day, due to injury are John Cominsky,
Devonta Freeman, Austin Hooper, and Kemal Ishmael. Other inactives, Matt Gono, Brandon Powell,
and Deadrin Senat.
The extra captain on the day is Damontae Kazee. Each Falcon wears a number on their helmet
representing a fallen soldier, with their families in attendance for Military
Appreciation Day. And you know, no one
appreciates the military more than Dan Quinn. Note that this year, the Falcons are representing
94 fallen heroes, each player representing several heroes on their helmet. All of these families had a great Sunday
receiving jerseys with their name on them as well as spending time with the
team and touring the facilities.
The Falcons win the toss and will take the ball on offense
again. This has led to back to back wind
the last two weeks. The opening kickoff
goes way back in the end zone and the Falcons offense will start the game at
the 25.
Matt Ryan is already in the shotgun and hands off to Brian
Hill for no yards. In the no huddle,
Ryan yells commands. Again in the shotgun,
Ryan drops back and lobs it to wide open Jaeden Graham for a big 53-yard
gain. About half and half pass and
YAC. Now on the Bucs’ 23, a sweep to Calvin
Ridley along the right side, Ridley goes down to the 7, behind a good
Graham block. Ryan throws the next pass
way out of the back of the end zone. From
the shotgun, Ryan is under pressure, gets itchy feet, but throws the ball out
of the back of the end zone again. Now
on 3rd and goal, Ryan hits Ridley, who is double covered, and cannot
hold onto the all. With 2 receivers
double covered, you would think someone would have been open. YounghoeKoo kicks the 25-yard
field goal.
With 12:47 to go in the first quarter, the Falcons with the
early lead, 3/0.
JameisWinston begins at the 25 and a rush for
11 yards by Ronald Jones II who is met and sat down by Kazee. On the second offensive play, Winston has his
first pick of the day. Desmond Trufant
is running the route in from of Mike Evans like he is the receiver, Winston
still makes the pass and Tru picks it off.
Falcons take over at their own 47. A rush by Hill for a 1-yard gain. Next a pass along the right side to Russell
Gage who forces his way past the first down marker. Ryan’s next pass is out of bounds. Still in the shotgun, Ryan quickly passes to
Gage on the left for 7 yards. With Hill
in the medical tent, Qadree Ollison gets the call and gains no yards
along the left side. On 4th
and 3, Graham has a false start forcing the punt. The ball rolls out of bounds at the 3.
On the first play of their second possession, the Bucs have
a false start and are at the ½-yard line.
Winston drops back, then chooses to run, past the first down marker where
Isaiah Oliver makes the tackle. From
the 11, Winston hands off to Jones for a few yards. Grady Jarrett is over center with Vic
Beasley, Jr. beside him, rushing 4, but Winston gets the ball out to Jones
who is tackled after the first down by Ricardo Allen. Rushing 4 again, Winston hands off, Jones up
the middle and he is med and stopped by De’Vondre Campbell after a
4-yard gain. Adrian Clayborn
nearly gets to Winston, but he manages to get the ball away, even with it
tipped by Deion Jones, Chris Godwin makes the reception, escapes Kazee,
and goes 71-yard for the touchdown. With
6:45 to go in the quarter, the Bucs lead 7/3.
Another touchback and the Falcons begin on their 25
again. Ryan throws over the middle to Julio
Jones, but the ball is deflected.
Hill is back in the game and takes the fake as Ryan throws near the marker
to Ridley. On 3rd and 3, Ryan
throws big for Julio on the right side, even with his jersey being held,
catches the 31-yard pass. Hill gets the
call and gains 3 yards. Another fake to
Hill, Ryan avoids the sack and throws a low ball toward Julio as a Bucs defender
lays him out. 3rd and 7, Ryan
drops back then decides to run it himself, short of the first down marker. There is an offensive hold on the play by
Jake Matthews (that opened the hole for Ryan).
3rd and 17, Ryan hits Ridley, but he can’t get high enough to
hold on, with the help of the defender’s shove.
Ryan Allen punts out of bounds at the 10.
De’Vondre Campbell with the INT
Winston hands off to Peyton Barber who gains 3 yards. Winston drops back and throws out of bounds
over the receiver out of bounds. On 3rd
and 7, Winston makes another errant pass under pressure, tipped by the receiver
and Campbell comes up with the interception.
Falcons offense takes over at the 19. Ollison gets the first carry for 6 yards. On 2nd and 4, Ryan under big pressure, finally gets the ball toward Ridley, who cannot hold the ball with a defender clubbing him. With a 3rd and 4, Ryan scrambles for the first down. At the 5, Ryan is under center, Ollison goes to the 1. Still in, Ollison pushes behind the line, but still cannot get across the line. Ollison jumps over the offensive and defensive lines for the touchdown!!!!! His second in 2 games. Koo for the extra point and the Falcons lead 10/7 as the first quarter is nearly ended.
The Bucs begin again at their 25. Winston, from the shotgun, passes out to
Evans who runs before the catch and therefore an incompletion. On 2nd and 10, Winston passes to
Jones who is stopped after a 6-yard gain.
Time expires on the first quarter.
A quick stop by Debo and it’s 4th and 2, and the Buccaneers
have to punt. Kenyon Barner catches at
the 13 and is immediately stopped there.
Ryan finds Julio just past the first down marker after a
stop and start route. From the 26, Ruan
is under center, fakes to Hill and is immediately sacked. 2nd and 19, Ryan is in the shotgun
and scrambling, Matthews can’t hold his block and another sack. 3rd and 27 from the 9, hand off to
Hill for no gain. Allen from the middle
of the end zone, gets the ball to the 39, and special teams allows a return.
The Bucs begin at their 49.
Winston drops back, finds Godwin on the far right side who is knocked
out by Kendall Sheffield. From
the 29, Winston hands off to Jones who loses a yard behind a fierce defensive
line, lead by Jack Crawford.
Winston from the shotgun, has Debo nearly push the lineman into him,
gets the ball out to a receiver, but the Bucs were called for holding and backs
them up. 2nd and 21, Winston
get it all back by finding Godwin who then gets the 10-yard line. A quick short pass to Godwin for a couple of
yards. From the Falcons’ 9, Winston
throws left to Miller who is shoved out at the 1. Winston then finds Godwin just inside the
goal line for his second touchdown of the day.
Kazee nearly tips the ball, but can’t get his fingers on it. With just under 8 to go in the half, the Bucs
miss their extra point, but lead 13/10.
Again at the 25, Hill finds a hole on the left side and
gains 5 yards. Back under center, Ryan
flips it back to Hill who runs along the far left side edge for a first down. From the 35, Ryan finds Gage again for
another first down. From the shotgun,
Ryan throws just out of Julio’s reach. A
hand off to Hill gains 2 yards. On 3rd
and 8, Ridley in motion, Ryan is sacked again.
Allen punts to the 10, a return to the 35, stopped by Ollison. An illegal black is called and the Bucs will
begin on their own 5.
The Bucs come out running and are stopped back to back for
minimal gain. Another 3rd and
7, Winston in the shotgun and throws to Breshad Perriman at the 49. Quinn challenged the reception and it was
upheld. After a short run, under Claybo pressure,
Winston throws out of bounds over the receiver.
On 3rd and 9 Winston finds Evans for the first down, Kazee
and Rico converge for the tackle. Cover 2
is not working today.
Two-minute warning.
From the Falcons 30, Winston hands off and Jones is met with
the whole defense and forced back for a 3-yard loss. From the shotgun, Winston decides to run, not
slide, and is stopped after 4 yards.
Falcons call a time out. 3rd
and 9, Winston finds wide open Godwin at the 3.
A run goes for nothing. After another
Falcons timeout, Winston from the 1, fakes a handoff and finds a defensive
lineman in as a fullback open in the end zone.
Vita Vea for the touchdown reception. With 40 seconds til the half, the Bucs lead 19/10.
Ryan throws underneath Julio across the middle and he cannot
bring the ball in. Ryan drops back and
nearly throws an interception, not seeing the defender step between him and
intended receiver Christian Blake.
On 3rd and 10 with 29 seconds to go, Ryan finds Hill at the
30, but Hill cannot gain any additional yards.
Allen on to punt again with 20 seconds to go. The punt goes to the 17 and takes a Bucs
bounds, but roles until 5 seconds remain.
The Bucs take a knee and go to have leading the Falcons by
9.
The Bucs start with no gains, then on a 3rd and
10, Winston runs the ball himself past the marker, fighting with Rico all the
way. A sweep to Scotty Miller
goes for a loss, spotted and dropped by Rico.
On 2nd and 12, Dare Ogunbowale goes up the middle for
a first down. Note that Grady was not in
on that play. Another run up the middle,
then bounces to the right side for a big first down at the Falcons 10. Jones runs up the middle for a short gain,
but there is a flag on the play. Illegal
formation was declined and the Bucs are at the 14 with a 2nd and
9. Winston finds O.J. Howard over
the middle for another first down. Then
Jones in for the touchdown.
The Bucs kicker has his extra point blocked by
Sheffield. Sharrod Neasman picks up the ball, goes for a number of yards before being
touched, then spins and waits for blockers and is finally pushed out of
bounds. Grady and other lineman were
down field still blocking.
Ryan in the shotgun at the 25, to Hill on the right side for
a yard. Ryan finds an open Gage up at
the 45. Hill on the left side for no
gain. Ryan throws big downfield for
Ridley, who catches the ball in tandem with Carlton Davis III and the
refs give the ball to the Bucs.
From the Bucs 11, Winston hands off twice. On 3rd and 2, under pressure,
Winston throws an incompletion.
After the punt, the Falcons begin on their 44 and Ryan finds
Ridley for a 17-yard gain. After a false
start on James Carpenter. Ryan throws an
incompletion toward Stocker and high to Gage who cannot haul it in. Ndamukong
Suh has an illegal use of hands after a misthrow by Ryan towards Ridley.
Automatic first down, Hill gets the ball on the left side
for no gain. At the 40, it’s 2nd
and 10, Ryan drops back and hits Julio for the first down just past the
marker. Another reception by Julio, and
its 2nd and 3 at the 21. Hill
goes up the middle for a gain of one yard.
On 3rd and 2, Ryan is lined up on the left side of the line,
Gage takes the snap and tosses to Ollison for the first down. A fake to Ollison leads to a short pass to
Julio, which is negated by a flag on Matthews.
On 1st and 18 Ryan almost throws an interception. Then he hits Ridley in the corner of the end
zone, but he lands with one foot in, one foot out. Another hold on Matthews. It’s now 2nd and 28, Gage with the
9-yard reception. On 3rd and
19, Hill gets the call for short yardage.
Koo on for the successful 40-yard field goal. With 1:40 to go in the 3rd quarter,
Falcons down 25/13.
Winston comes out slinging to Godwin again, who avoids tackles
before Kazee gets him down. Quickly
driving with multiple missed tackles, as the quarter ends.
The Bucs are at the 33 as the fourth quarter begins. Debo’s pressure on Winston does not stop his
quick pass and completion. Then Jones around
the left side for another few yards. On
3rd and 4 at the 14, Claybo and Grady are both held with no
penalties called. The Bucs do not get
the first down and are forced to kick the 32-yard field goal and lead the
Falcons 28/13 with nearly 13 minutes to go in the game.
The first pass of the next possession goes to Gage for a
first down. Then to Julio for another first down. Gage along the sideline for 6 yards. Near the 50, Ryan misses Ridley over the
middle with defenders cloaking him. On 3rd
and 4, Ryan scrambles, finally throws low toward Graham which falls incomplete. The Falcons go for it on 4th and
4, Gage catches the ball at the marker.
Ollison up the middle for 7 yards, then a pass to Ollison over the
middle for the first down. Ridley goes
down the left side and is stopped at the 14.
After an incompletion to Gage in the end zone, Ryan is sacked – on Matthews’
side. There is a near sack, the ball is
in the air, nearly intercepted. This leads
to a 38-yard field goal. Falcons still
down 28/16 with just over 8 to go in the game.
Winston starts again with a quick first down pass. Then no gain as Rico makes a big stop. On 2nd and 10, Winston is under
pressure and throws incomplete to the tight end with Rico in coverage. The next incompletion is null as Beasley is
offsides. On 3rd and 5, there
is a false start on the Bucs. Third and
10 meets a Trufant pass breakup. The Bucs
punt to the 19.
The first play is a sack given up by Kaleb McGary. Ridley has another catch, again with one foot
in and one foot out. Another failed play
and the Falcons punt again.
After another short Bucs’ drive, the Falcons give up their 6th
sack of the day, which is also a fumble.
Bucs take the ball and increase their lead to 35/16.
Matt Schaub replaces Ryan at quarterback, has a low ball to
Blake which is intercepted, but the turnover is overturned and marked
incomplete. Schaub hits Ridley for the 21-yard
touchdown. The Falcons go for the unsuccessful
2-point conversion. The score is 35/22
with just under 2 minutes to go in the game.
The Bucs run out the clock and issue the Falcons their first
lost in the NFC South and end any insane hope of a playoff run.
So, apparently change IS good. Not only did the Falcons move coaching staff around after the bye, but on game day, instead of Dan Quinn calling the defense plays, play calling was split betweenJeff Ulbrich(Linebackers coach) calling 1stand 2nddown defense andRaheem Morris(formerly WR coach) calling 3rddown and 2 minute defense. Morris’ work with the secondary was evident immediately. Also, after winning the coin toss, for the second time this year, the Falcons chose to receive the ball first.
The extra Captain this week was Calvin Ridley.
The offense started strong, pushing down the field quickly. The first play was a speed sweep toCalvin Ridleyfor 19 yards. Then run-run-run byDevonta Freeman. Within the first series, Free had 27 rushing yards. Then, on cue, the offense stalled with back to back false start penalties pushing them back to unmanageable down and distance and forced a 37-yard field goal. Out comes the Saints’ offense,Latavius MurrayandAlvin Kamararunning for short bits and pieces, thenDrew BreeshitsMichael Thomasfor a 16-yard gain,Jared Cookfor a 22, then back to Thomas for another 17 yards. The defense stood up. Murray had no gain,Taysom Hillhad a 2-yard reception, thenDe’Vondre Campbellsacked Brees for a 9-yard loss, forcing the 29-yard field goal. This is when you knew you had a game.
I did hold my breath until the 20/9 touchdown, as I know what Brees can do and know you need a big lead, but felt good about the Falcons most of the day (after the initial forced field goal by the D). The only real negatives on the day were an interception by Matt Ryan and a slightly short kickoff that lead to a big run back….even those were not followed up with any points. After the interception, the defense came out inspired, allowing 8 yards and receiving the ball back on downs at the New Orleans 19. After a 46-yard return, the Saints had another 4 downs to move the ball -9 yards and turn it over on downs again, this time at their own 33.
With a successful run game, the Falcons were able to dominate the time of possession, 34 minutes to New Orleans’ 26. The Falcons had 4 drives that took at least 5 minutes and 4 scoring drives that were 10+ plays. While I have always heard “The best offense is a good defense” the case here is “the best way to keep Brees from scoring is to keep Brees on the bench.” This allowed the defense to be rested and ready when they did take the field, and seemed to energize them as well. Even on the final drive, while playing prevent, they still did not allow a score. The Saints had the ball with a 1stand goal from the 9 and the Falcons forced a 4thdown, that was a yard short of the end zone as time expired.
The offense played allot of no huddle, which isMatt Ryan’s comfort zone. Ryan even had a 17 mph run himself for a big first down. Freeman went out early with an injury, but tallied 38 rushing yards at that point. Brian Hillhad 20 carries for 61 yards and a touchdown reception. Ridley had 1 rush for 19 yards and caught 3 of 5 balls thrown his way for 28 yards. Julio Jonescaught 3 for 79 yards, one being the 54-yard breakout, mostly YAC, and had several crucial blocks, and is of course, is the world’s best decoy. Russell Gagecontinues to impress with 4 receptions for 23 yards, Austin Hooper 4 receptions for 17 yards and another touchdown. NewcomerChristian Blakesnuck in and caught his first 2 NFL receptions, one for a big 11-yard gain.
The defense was almost unrecognizable, there seemed to be no confusion or communication issues this week. The defensive line and secondary were in sync, the backend playing tight coverage made it easier for the D line to be aggressive. At one point, with 3 on the blitz, the Falcons managed a sack. Campbell logged a sack on the first drive, leading the team to 6 total sacks on the day, when the team had 7 on the season. Clemsonwas repped well withGrady JarrettandVic Beasley, Jrsharing a sack, which was for a loss at the 10, forcing the unsuccessful 3rddown attempt. Grady ended the game with 2 ½, Vic got another – WWE spear on his own, and one byAdrian Clayborn, who uncharacteristically seemed to be missing most of the season. Claybo started this week, which was enough to shake it up and help Beasley andTakk McKinleywork differently and get pressure on Brees all day. There were times when Brees actually looked confused. They crowded the pocket all day and when the Saints were doubling Grady, that opened it up for other guys to get pressure and sacks.
Who knows which came first, the chicken or the egg…but the defense was working perfectly Sunday. Whether the man on man coverage provided the line more time to push to Brees, or the line forced Brees into rushed and errant throws, it was a well-orchestrated defensive day. Brees completed 32 of 45 passes, was sacked 6 times, losing 46 yards and hit 11 times and nearly hit many, many more. The defense was tackling in space, wrapping up, and not giving up much YAC. The Saints started at the 38 and were held to a field goal. The defense allowed no big plays and only allowed 25% completion on 3rddown conversions, there were several 3 (or 4) and outs.
RookieKendall Sheffieldis really coming on strong in Desmond Trufant’s absence. He recorded a coverage grade of 89.9 on 53 snaps Sunday. He was targeted 7 times and allowed 5 receptions for only 28 yards, no first downs or touchdowns. Foye Oluokunlead the team with 8 tackles,Isaiah Oliverstepping up with 6, along with Campbell andDamontae Kazee, the later had a pass defended. Kazee was injured late in the game, but did come back in. Ricardo AllenandDeion Joneshad 5 tackles a piece.
Special teams. WOW. New kickers all around and still was a successful day. Younghoe Koo– now known as #KooDat, had 4 successful field goals, with a long of 48 yards. Ryan Allenonly had 2 punts on the day, but was also the holder for Koo. After a punt attempt where Allen was tackled and left, it seemed, crippled, the Falcons were provided the first down on the roughing the kicker penalty. A few plays later, the Falcons were forced to kick a field goal,Matt Schaubcomes out to hold, Allen takes the field and shoos Schaub off the field, as he is ready to do his job. Talk about touchness. Younghoe Koo was awarded the NFC Special Team player of the week in his first week in the NFL! Kenjon Barnerhad 2 punt returns, one a breakoff of 21 yards. Defensively, was the one long kickoff return that yielded no points, and one punt return of 19 yards. Koo was also the tackler on the 48-yard return. We may like this kid.
The Saints scored double digits at home in 100 straight games…until Sunday. This put them one shy of the NFL record. Drew Brees has not been sacked 6 times in a game since the Panthers in 2013….until Sunday. The Saints had only 4 games since 2006 without a touchdown…..until Sunday. No one has ever had 4 “Hands to the Face” penalties in a game…..until Sunday. The Saints WERE the least penalized team in the league…..until Sunday. They had 12 penalties for 90 yards, many turning their 3rdand short into 3rdand long, their defensive penalties providing the Falcons with many free first downs
The Atlanta Falcons are the only UNDEFEATED team in the NFC South. Are the Saints the new “Get Right” team????
Per the Atlanta Falcons website, Grady Jarrett was quoted “It’s definitely encouraging. Going through any kind of losing streak, it’s definitely hard. For us not to be able to give up and try to make changes where we can, wherever we can, to not quit and beat a real good team in their house, it means a lot and it says a lot about our team.”
Injury Report: Devonta Freeman and Austin Hooper are both being evaluated through the week and are listed as questionable at this time.
Golden Talon:THE WHOLE TEAM. 11 and 11 all did their jobs successfully, without mistakes. With injuries, next man up stepped up. And Special Teams was on fire.
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