The Game Day Goods – FalconAlley Football

Atlanta Falcons Lose a Rainy One in New York

August 22, 2022

Article by Allison Smith

Atlanta Falcons 16 at New York Jets 24

New York won the toss and decided to kick to Atlanta. Avery Williams takes the kick to the 23. Damian Williams is the only set back, Marcus Mariota from the shot gun, hands to Williams who gains 4 yards around the left side. Cordarrelle Patterson is lined up in the slot as Mariota drops back and hits Kyle Pitts for a 52-yard gain. From the Jets’ 21, Mariota drops back, rolls to the right and hits Brian Edwards at the 9. On first and goal, a quick handoff to Williams for a couple of yards up the middle. On second down, Tyler Allgeier has checked in and takes the fake, Mariota under pressure skips the pass to Parker Hesse for an incompletion. On third down, under center, Mariota throws to Allgeier for a few yards. Younghoe Koo comes on for the 23-yard field goal.

Q1 11:22, Atlanta 3/New York 0

Bradley Pinion kicks 68 yards into the end zone, Tevin Coleman comes out to the 19. Mike White rolls to the right and passes for a 4-yard gain. On 2^nd and 6, Brian Hall carries for one yard, quickly stopped by Casey Hayward. A defensive holding penalty moves the ball to the 29 and a first down. Hall tries to go up the middle, but is met behind the line by Adetokunbo Ogundeji and Anthony Rush (who just had the penalty). On 2^nd and 13, under great pressure by Lorenzo Carter, White gets the ball away to Tyrek Black for an 8-yard gain. On 3^rd down, swarming pressure in the backfield, White tucks the ball and runs for a yard, stopped by Ta’Quon Graham, forcing the punt.

Williams returns the punt to the 25-yard line. Allgeier gets the ball for a 4-yard gain along the right side. On 2^nd down, from the shotgun, Mariota finds KhaDarel Hodge for a first down, but takes the ball 34 yards…..which was called back because his knee touched down at the 42. Defense has an encroachment penalty, first and 5 at the 47. Mariota, behind great blocking, finds a wide-open Anthony Firkser for a 40-yard gain. From the 19, Allgeier gets the call along the right side for a singe yard. On 2^nd down, Mariota starts to run, then drops back and throws towards the end zone, in complete. On third down, with 2 high safeties, Mariotta sees Olamide Zaccheaus for a 13-yard touchdown reception. Tight coverage, Zaccheaus out reaches the defender for the ball. Koo makes the extra point.

Olamide Zaccheau’s Touchdown Reception Courtesy of Atlanta Falcons

Q1 5:16 Atlanta 10/New York 0

Coleman brings the ball from the 3 to the 20. White hits the fingertips of Jeff Smith for an incompletion. A quick pass to Garrett Wilson along the sideline, immediately stopped by Corey Ballentine, who refused to allow Wilson to gain another inch. Third and 3, offense is moved back for offsides, White throws the ball into the grown near the receiver. White was under pressure from Ogundeji, who was called for roughing the passer (tackling his legs) while Arnold Ebikitie was being held and horse collared. Free first and 10, running back is quickly met by Ogundeji for a 1-yard gain. Hall goes left for another yard. On 3^rd and 7, White drops back and hits Wilson who is tripped up by Dee Alford, stopped 3 yards short of the first down, forcing another punt. Williams takes the kick at the 10.

Qadree Ollison gets the first rush of this possession. A low throw to Ollison follows, then a pass behind Zaccheus that falls incomplete. A quick three and out brings Pinion on to kick from the end zone to 50.

White quick throws to his tight end, Mike Ford makes the stop. On 2^nd and 3, White hands off to Coleman who finds room on the left side for 8 yards and first down.

End of Q1

From the Falcons’ 35, White throws an incompletion out of bounds. Coleman tries to run right, but his forced wide by Daren Hall until out of bounds. A hold backs the Jets up 10 yards, on 2^nd and 20 from the Falcons’ 46, White drops back, sets up the screen and hits Ty Johnson for a short gain. On 3^rd and 18, a short pass to Jeff Smith is forced out by Ballentine. Another penalty, backs the Jets up, a 3^rd and 27 White hits the receiver for 8 yards and is stopped by Dean Marlowe. Another punt, goes into the end zone and the Falcons will begin on their 20.

Desmond Ridder fakes to Allgeier, then passes to MyCole Pruitt for 18 yards. Next is a handoff to Allgeier for no gain. On 2^nd and 10, Ridder fakes the handoff and finds a tightly covered Firkser for a 17-yard gain. Allgeier with the ball again for 3 yards behind the right side. On 2^nd and 7, under center, Ridder hands off to Ollison, who goes up the middle for 4 yards, another Jets’ penalty gives the Falcons another first down. From the 33, Ollison gains another yard. Ridder drops back, then stands casually and throws up 12 yards to Jared Bernhardt for the first down. From the Jets’ 20, Ridder fakes to the left, finds Cameron Batson who gets to the line of scrimmage and is demolished there. On 2^nd down, a fake hand off and Ridder hits Damiere Byrd in the chest for 12 yards. Another penalty moves the Falcons to the 8, Allgeier shoves his way to the 1. Allgeier moves forward slightly, Rick Leonard gets a holding penalty, so back at the 10, Ridder throws up to Allgeier at the 5. On 3^rd down, Ridder from the shotgun, finds Allgeier at the one and is forced out of bounds. Offense stays on the field, 4^th and goal from the 1, Jalen Mayfield has a false start, calling the offense off the field and Koo on for the field goal.

Q2 4:20 Atlanta 13/New York 0

From the 15, White fakes the hand off and throws a completion just short of the first down marker, stopped by Erik Harris. From the 24, White is nearly intercepted by Ballentine who jumped high just in front of the receiver. Harris makes the 3^rd down stop, forcing another punt. Batson takes the punt, trying to make some moves, loses 5 yards.

Ridder begins at the 32 from the shotgun, throws the ball out of bounds. Ridder is called for intentional grounding, clearly a miscommunication. On 2^nd and 20, Ridder fakes the handoff and finds Bernhardt for 34 yards, clearly the play intended for the first down play.

Two Minute Warning

From the Jets’ 44, play fake, Ridder fires the ball down the field, but the ball was tipped en route to Frank Darby. On 2^nd down, Ridder drops back and hits a wide-open Pruitt for a gain of 24, but another flag. Illegal shift, two receivers in motion. Back to the 49, Ridder drops back and finds an open Bernhardt for 22 yards, penalty….on the defense. The ball is on the 14, Ridder pitches it back to Kaleb Huntley who gains 4 yards. Ridder rushes to the left, gains the first down at the 3. Mayfield called for another hold and the Falcons are back at the 22 with a 2^nd and 18. Ridder escapes pressure, hits Byrd for a short gain, another penalty for holding, Rick Leonard this time. Now at the 32, Ridder throws to Byrd, who had cleared out the middle and had no defenders close, for 20 yards. Play action is gutting the defenders. On 3^rd and 8, Ridder misses Darby and another flag is thrown. Offensive pass interference on Williams (ran into a defender) is declined, it is fourth down and Koo hits another field goal.

Q2: :32 seconds Atlanta 16/New York 0

The kick off is returned to the 35. With 23 seconds remaining, White drops back and finds the receiver at the 42, Alford with the quick stop. On 2^nd down, White finds a wide-open Denzel Mims for a 26-yard gain. From the Falcons’ 31, the receiver can’t haul in the reception. Another pass to Mims who is instantly stopped by Marlowe. With 5 seconds remaining, the Jets kick a 44-yard field goal.

Half Time: Atlanta 16/New York 3

White and the Jets begin on the 25 with a hand off for a loss of a yard, stopped by Jalen Dalton. From the shotgun, White finds Irv Charles for a 2-yard gain. Another errant pass by White is followed by a flag for PI on Alford, but picked back up. Batson returns the punt to the 20.

Huntley carries the ball 6 yards then 3 more yards, on 3^rd down, he cannot gain the final yard for a first down. The Falcons punt to the 35, returner to the 40 with a flag for illegal block in the back by two players.

First and 10 from the 26, a run up the left side for 5 yards. Johnson takes the ball for 14 yards until he is pushed out of bounds by Marlowe. Followed by an offensive holding penalty, backing the Jets up to their own 25. Second and 11, Chris Streveler passes up to Laurence Cager who gains 23 yards and is stopped by Marlowe. Near midfield, the running back is stopped Thurman for no gain. Streveler drops back and finds a wide open Black in the middle of the field for another first down. From the 25, Streveler short pass for 4 yards, then a handoff to Knight for a 4-yard loss, forced out by Ballentine. Third down, Streveler hits wide open Cager for a touchdown. Falcons had a communication issue, 2 men covering one receiver, man to man across the field, and the free safety in the middle of the field.

Q3: 7:26 Atlanta 16/New York 10

From the 25, Feleipe Franks is under center and fakes to Ollison, throws right to Pruitt for 11 yards. Franks hands off to Ollison who goes 5 yards behind the left side, then is sacked for an 8-yard loss. Pressure came quick, Pruitt didn’t touch the defender. Ollison gets the short reception and is rocked by the defender for a 3-yard loss. Pinion punts to the 25.

The running back gains a single yard along the left side. After a penalty, Streveler drops back for 1^st and 20 and runs the ball up the middle 7 yards. On 2^nd down, Streveler passes close to the first down marker, but is stopped and slung out of bounds by Teez Tabor. On 3^rd and 2, Streveler hits his receiver for a first down. Streveler throws an incompletion way down the field. Second and 10 from the 44, a handoff gains a first down across midfield. Streveler on the run, drops back and finds his receiver who is stopped by 36 and 44, for a 6-yard gain. On 2^nd down, a fake, then Streveler completes a pass across the middle, followed by an offensive pass interference call, receiver pushed off of Jaylinn Hawkins to make the catch. From midfield, Streveler runs for 14 yards, near the marker.

End of Q3 – Atlanta 16/New York 10

From the 35, Streveler drops back, throws near the end zone into double coverage, Lafayette Pitts and Henry Black on the coverage and Pitts called for the PI, giving the Jets the ball at the 7. The running back immediately gets the ball, turns the corner and speeds into the end zone, just out of reach of DeAngelo Malone.

Q4: 14:49 Atlanta 16/New York 17

Bernhardt returns the kick off 27 yards to the Falcons’ 24. Franks fakes the handoff, runs himself for 4 yards. Allgeier runs up the middle for 2 yards, then Franks scrambles for 8 yards along the right side, lowers the shoulder and takes the hit to go out of bounds. Shaffer with the false start, from the 32, Allgeier runs out of bounds for 5 yards, but offensive holding backs the Falcons up to a 1^st and 25 from the 22. From the shotgun, Franks hands off to Allgeier, who goes up the middle, but a flag for illegal shift. Now, 1^st and 30 from the 17, Franks runs up the middle, gets hit and fumbles the ball. His knee was marked down and continues the offensive drive. On 2^nd and 18 from the 30, Franks fakes the handoff and runs, puts his head down and runs into two defenders, gaining 10 yards. With a 3^rd and 8, Atlanta calls time out.

Franks scrambles, has the football knocked out while scrambling and the defender takes the ball in for the touchdown. With the rain, Franks is hit and slips and put the ball hand down and the ball squirts out towards the defender.

Q4: 10:22 Atlanta 16/New York 23

Bernhardt brings the ball out to the 27. Huntley is tripped up before he can get to the line of scrimmage. Franks is nearly sacked, but gets the ball to Huntley for a gain of 5 yards. Huntley another few yards, short of the first down. Pinion punts 48 yards to the 18. Darby makes the hard stop after a 3-yard return.

Teez Tabor and Dee Alford Celebrate an Interception, Photo Courtesy of Atlanta Falcons

Streveler hands the ball off, Landon makes the quick stop. An incomplete pass is followed by an interception by Tabor. Alford in tight coverage on one side of the receiver, Tabor lunges and takes the ball out of his hands for the interception, giving the Falcons the ball back on their own 47. Personal foul on the Jets, moves the ball to the Jets’ 32.

Franks is in the shotgun and hands off to Huntley 4 times in a row. At 3^rd and 6, Franks runs along the sideline, knocking the helmet off one of the defenders as he heads out of bounds. First and goal from the 6, Franks throws out the back of the end zone, followed by 3 additional incompletions outside the end zone.

The Jets take over at the 5, make it out to the 31 then kneel on the ball to end the game.

#DirtyBirds

FalconAlley Owt

Atlanta Falcons With A Bloody Good Win in England

From Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

New York Jets 20 at Atlanta Falcons 27

The New York Jets won the coin toss and allowed the Atlanta Falcons to receive the ball to start the game.

From the 25, Mike Davis in the backfield, fake, Matt Ryan passes to Kyle Pitts behind the line of scrimmage. On 2^nd down, Davis goes for the first down. From the 35, Olamide Zaccheaus goes in motion, Davis up the middle for a yard. On 2^nd and 9, Ryan from the shotgun, fake to Davis with a good block, down the field deep the Hayden Hurst who was double covered, but ball was overthrown incomplete. On 3^rd and 9, Ryan in the shotgun with Davis next to him, he throws toward Tajae Sharpe and is nailed as he releases, gets a roughing the passer penalty and automatic first down.

Falcons at midfield now, Ryan under center and hands to Cordarrelle Patterson who goes for 6 yards along the left side – behind a big block by Keith Smith. On 2^nd and 4, Ryan play fakes on the slant, throws to Sharpe but the ball is knocked out by the defender. Ryan finds TE Lee Smith for 3 yards. On 4^th and 1 at the 40, Patterson gets the call, makes a stutter step and goes over 10 yards. Next play is a handoff to Patterson who passes the ball out of bounds….no receiver in place. As time runs down, Ryan calls a time out.

Patterson is in the blue tent – concussion protocol. This could be huge if he does not return.

After a quick first down pass to Pitts for 16 yards, Davis goes for a single yard, now on 2^nd and 9 from the 11, Ryan throws low to Pitts, incomplete. On 3^rd and 9 at the 11, Ryan from the shotgun, Davis next to him, TEs off to the right, Ryan passes up to Davis who cannot get back to the line of scrimmage. Younghoe Koo in for the successful field goal.

First play is a run up the middle for 5 yards. On 2^nd and 5, a play fake from Zach Wilson, then he has to run to the far right, AJ Terrell takes him down before he can even get out of bounds. On 3^rd and 2, high snap, Wilson batts it back to himself, then passes the ball incomplete to the receiver in tight coverage – also had an illegal shift by the Jets, so it is now 4^th and 2. The Jets punt to Zaccheaus, who is planted by his own TJ Greene and the ball rolls past to the 10.

On first down, Davis is spinning up, there is a chop block called on the Falcons, but the refs realize the defense caused it, so it is 1st and 10 from the 16. Ryan drops back and screen to Davis falls to the ground. On 2^nd and 10, Patterson is back and goes an easy 9 yards on the right side. Ryan drops back and finds Sharpe for a big first down at the 40. Next play is a rush by Patterson for no gain. Ryan fake to Patterson, then finds Pitts over the middle for 18 yards. Patterson up the middle for 3 yards. Ryan back under center, Zaccheaus in motion, fake to Paterson, wide open L. Smith for the first down at the 19-yard line. Smith with the crossing route. Next play is to Patterson inside the 5 for the reception and another first down. At the 2, Ryan throws the touchdown pass to Pitts, for his first NFL touchdown of his rookie season.

Rookie Kyle Pitts with 1st TD of the season photo courtesy of NFL network

Q1 5:16 – Jets 0/Falcons 10

Former Falcon Tevin Coleman receives the kick off and runs it back to the 28, tackled by Koo. First pass falls incomplete with tight coverage by Fabian Moreau. On 2^nd and 10, a handoff Tyler Davison and Grady Jarrett in converge to stop the running back and force a 3^rd and 13. Jets call a time out. Wilson finds the receiver, 3 yards shy of the first down.

Zaccheaustakes the punt up 14 yards to the…. as the first quarter ends.

Davis in the backfield, takes the ball up the middle a couple of yards. Second down, Zaccheaus in motion, Ryan throws to Patterson at the 37 where he is stopped hard. First and ten, Patterson in the backfield, takes the ball up the middle for four yards. To Patterson on the left side at the first down marker. Third and 1 at the 41, Ryan opens up and hits Pitts at the 31. Another roughing the passer penalty is called and auto first down. Now the Falcons offense has the ball at the 17. Patterson rushes along he left side for no gain. Ryan running right, get his pass batted down at the line of scrimmage. Ryan finds Hurst at the 5 who zooms on in for the TOUCHDOWN! Davis with a big block to stop a sack coming fast.

Hayden Hurst With The Touchdown Courtesy of Chris Trotman & Atlanta Falcons

11:01 Jets 0/Falcons 17

Coleman in the end zone and allows the kickoff to go into the back of the end zone. From the 25, Wilson rolls back and throws low and bouncing into the turf, as Terell was coming fast to the receiver. Next play, Wilson throws an interception to Jaylinn Hawkins who came back to the ball and steps in front of the receiver. The ball was behind the receiver who was waiting on the ball, Hawkins sniffed it out and made a good decision and catch.

Jaylinn Hawkins with the Interception courtesy of NFL Network

From the 2 TE, 2-receiver set, Davis is the setback, Ryan has a backfoot throw to Smith at the 27 yard line. Hurst makes the next reception at the 11 for a first down, ball pops loose, the Jets recover the fumble.

Jets take over at the 13 and run up the middle for 2 yards, big stop by Steven Means, Dante Fowler shaken up on the play. Wilson looks left and finds the receiver for the first down at the 28. Michael Carter gets 7 yards until Foye Oluokun makes the stop. Duron Harmon gets a PI away from the play and moves the ball to the 45. Coleman runs 3 yards to the right. On 2nd and 7, Wilson hands off to Coleman who goes 4 yards and across midfield, Richie Grant makes the hard and fast stop. From the shotgun, Wilson hands off to Todd Johnson who zooms through the right side for a first down. From the Falcons’ 42, Wilson fakes the handoff and finds the receiver at the line of scrimmage who is immediately met with Adetokunbo Ogundeji for a big open field tackle. Coverage downfield was perfect and Wilson’s only option. On 2nd and 9, Wilson is chased back to the Jets 41 and has to throw out of bounds. Third down, Wilson finds an open receiver at the 30, stopped by Darren Hall – need tighter coverage to stop that quicker. From the 28, Michael Carter gets the ball and nearly a first down, stopped by Fowler slowing him down and Davison wrapping arms around both players and taking them both down. On 2^nd and 1, Coleman goes up the middle for the first down. Wilson underthrows the next pass and it falls incomplete.

Jets take a time out. On 2^nd and 10 from the Falcons’ 16, Wilson drops back, nearly sacked and hits an offensive lineman in the back with the ball. Wilson drops back, crossing pattern to Davis and is stopped by Moreau for a 3-yard gain. Matt Ammendola comes out for the 31-yard field goal.

Q2 2:14 Jets 3/Falcons 17

Ammendola kicks to Patterson, 5 yards deep in the end zone, gets to the 24. First and 10, Ryan hands to Patterson for 8 yards. After the 2-minute warning, Ryan misses Patterson on the backside, grabbed by the defender, no call. Christian Blake is all alone on the sideline for a Ryan pass, falling down with the reception, but gains the first down. Next pass is up the middle to Davis for another first down. Another run up the middle by Davis. Being chased, Ryan throws the ball away, but nearly intercepted along the sideline. On 3^rd and 6, still at midfield with 50 seconds to go in the half, Pitts misses the ball, gets a PI as the defender was holding on his jersey not allowing Pitts to get to the ball. First and 10 from the 40, Ryan has two off the mark passes to Davis and Blake. On 3^rd and 10, Pitts makes the reception at the 25 forcing the 4^th down. With 3 seconds remaining in the half, Coach calls a time out. Koo makes the 52-yard field goal as time expires.

Half Time – Jets 3/Falcons 20

Short kick, Coleman goes to the Falcons’ 29 – touchdown is stopped by Patterson. Carter takes the ball 7 yards on the left side. On 2^nd and 3, Wilson hands to Carter again, stopped after the first down by Terrell. On the first down, Carter meets Jarrett for no gain. Wilson from the 14, jet sweep and Braxton Berrios is taken down by Jarrett – who comes from the middle of the field to the far left side and makes the stop. Johnson gets the first down and more, down to the 2. The defensive line stands up and refuses to let the runner in, led by Jarrett. On 2^nd and goal, Johnson easily walks in to the end zone. Atlanta stunted to their right while Johnson moves into an open hole on the left. Ammandola misses the extra point.

Q3 10:56 Jets 9/Falcons 20

From the 25, Patterson goes up the middle for 3 yards. Zaccheaus in motion, Ryan lets one fly, Patterson caught it at the 38. Zaccheaus in motion again, Hurst has another reception that pops out. The catch was at the line of scrimmage and rolls out of bounds, so no loss this time. Second and 10, Ryan hits Zaccheausbut he drops the ball for an incompletion. Ryan with the backfoot throw, Zaccheaus cannot hang on again, pressure in Ryan’s face, Zaccheaus up for the high reception, but has the ball knocked out by former Falcon Sharrod Neasman. First punt this season by newly acquired Dustin Colquitt and goes to the Jets 35, for 24 yards.

Side arm to Carter, and the Jets are at midfield instantly, stopped by Jones. Carter stopped after a 1 yard gain by Grant. After an incompletion, Wilson has a short pass to the large TE, Ryan Griffin for 4 yards, Terrell forces the fumble, which is recovered by the Jets, but forces a fourth down and punt. .

Punt from the Falcons 45, Zaccheaus fair catch at the 9.

Ryan hands to Davis who zooms up the right side past the 26-yard line. Another 8-man box, and Davis no gain this time. Ryan fakes the handoff, then tries to hit Davis with the pass, pass is batted down. Third and 10, Ryan in the shotgun, scrambles to the right sideline and finds Sharpe along the sideline for the first down. Sharpe came back to the sideline to help Ryan as he saw him scrambling. Davis with the run on the edge, got 5 yards behind a Kaleb McGary block. Ryan finds an open Sharpe across the middle, spinning through for a 17-yard gain. A handoff to Wayne Gallman gains 3 yards, his first snap of the game. On 2^nd and 8, on a RPO, a fake to Gallman and pass to Blake on the sideline near the first down marker. Another pass to Hurst, who holds onto the ball, tiptoes along the sideline for the first down and more. Davis gets the call, goes for several yards before coughing up the ball for the second Falcons’ fumble of the day.

Wilson hands off to Carter, gets 5 yards. Second down, Wilson from the shotgun, throws behind the line and Crowder got blasted by Moreau who makes the stop 7 yards behind the line of scrimmage, but Moreau is down. Offensive penalty with a loss of down, punting to Zaccheauswho returns to the 31.

First down, Patterson runs along the right side for 4 yards as the 3^rd quarter time expires.

On 2^nd and 6, Zaccheaus makes the reception. Ryan’s 5000^th completion. Davis in the backfield, Ryan under center, Zaccheaus in motion, running handoff to Davis for the first down. Another hand off to Patterson for a single yard. Ryan throws over the middle to Pitts, for the first down across midfield. From the Jets 46, Patterson in the backfield, Ryan hands to Patterson who gains a few yards outside. On 2^nd and 7, Ryan fakes to Patterson who slips, Ryan nearly sacked, keeps scrambling and finds Pitts near the end zone, but Matt Hennessy holds and backs the offense up to 2^nd and 17 from the Falcons 47. A quick pass to Sharpe at the 45 leaving a 3^rd and 9. Ryan, from the shotgun, finds Patterson in the crossing pattern 6 yards short of the first down and Colquitt comes back on the field and plants the ball at the 10.

Wilson drops back and hits the receiver over the middle at the 17 stopped by Jones. From the shotgun, Wilson guns it down field for a huge first down at the 40-yard line, missed by Grant, but the receiver falls and is touched down. Wilson hits the tight end at the 45, flag on the field backing up the offense. Running back blocking Grant and the Jets are 1^st and 20 from their own 30. Wilson hits a wide-open receiver at the 50, Hall makes the stop, but defenders were everywhere having to close in for the tackle. Ball at the Atlanta 43, Wilson under pressure and running for his life, flings it down near the goal line, ball is knocked away by Terrell who is called for PI, giving the Jets the ball at the goal line. From the 2, Wilson hands to Carter who walks in an empty hole to the end zone. The Jets convert on the 2-point conversion.

Q4: Jets 17/Falcons 20

Keith Smith fields the up-kick and gets up to the 25. Davis in the backfield, play fake, Ryan hits Pitts at the Jets’ 36 in double coverage. Thirty-nine yards and a first down. Ryan hands to Patterson who is immediately stopped. On 2^nd and 12, a high pass along the sideline to Pitts, who makes the reception, but only for 4 yards. On 3^rd and 8, single receiver to the left, 3 to the right, Jake Matthews with the false start backing the Falcons up to 3^rd and 13. Ryan finds Zaccheaus at the first down marker and he pushes past the line to gain the first down and 15 yards. Smith in the strong side eye, Zaccheaus in motion, handoff to Patterson who is stopped after a 3-yard gain. Two TE right, Sharpe on the left, Ryan shoots it underneath to Patterson who fights for 5 yards. On 3^rd and 2, Ryan empties the backfield, gets the Jalen Mayfield block and screen and Patterson goes along the left side sideline down to the 9. Davis runs up the middle through the line to the 4. With 2:24 to go, Jets call their first time out.

Davis takes the ball, stutter steps, spins, the offensive line keeps shoving the defense and Davis gets in for the touchdown.

With 2:19 to go in the game, Jets 17/Falcons 27.

The Jets start at their own 25. From the shotgun, Wilson hs a short pass to Davis who heads out of bounds after an 8-yard gain. With 5 in the rush, Ogundeji gets the big sack for a 9-yard loss before the 2-minute warning.

Coming out of the 2-minute warning, from their own 33, it’s 3rd and 11, Cole makes the reception near the 40. Ogundeji almost got to Wilson again. Fowler and Jarrett getting into the backfield forcing quick passes. On 2^nd and 10, another play fake, Wilson throws to Mims at the 44 where Terrell stops him. Wilson looks left and throws left, shoved out of points at the Falcons 34. Next pass falls incomplete. With under a minute left, from the 34, Wilson from the shotgun, flushed to his left and throws out of bounds, Harmon and Hawkins in on the chase. Wilson hits Davis at the 14 and stopped by Oluokun, but Hall had bitten up and opened a hole for Davis. Jets take their 2nd time out.

With 33 seconds remaining, Wilson takes the snap from the 14, ball falls incomplete, with Terrell ready to make the immediate stop. Jacob Tuioti-Mariner got Wilson off his mark, as Wilson runs, he is then sacked at the 32 by Tuioti-Mariner. With 22 seconds and a 3^rd and 27, they get the 49-yard field goal.

Defense Doing Work Photo Courtesy of NFL Network

With 17 seconds remaining in the game, Jets 20/Falcons 27 and expecting the onside kick.

Zaccheaus catches the ball at the 49. Ryan comes out and kneels.

Falcons. Win. Game.

#RiseUp

#FalconAlleyOWT

Cover photo courtesy of Chris Trotman/Atlanta Falcons

Falcons Still Can’t Put a Game Together

October 27, 2019

Article and Photos by Allison Smith

Seattle 27/Atlanta 20

It is a beautiful pre-Halloween weekend in Atlanta. The roof to Mercedes Benz Stadium is open, there is a slight breeze. Lots of Falcons and Seahawks fans outside, tailgating, enjoying Falcons Landing activities, and meeting each other. After all, there is no real animosity towards each other, and Atlanta does have the Seattle former Defensive Coordinator.

Seattle takes the field on offense. On the first play, Vic Beasley, Jr. makes a great spin move, GradyJarrett almost has Russell Wilson in his grasp, but instead, Wilson scrambles for 15+ yards and has a first down near the 50. Hear the life already leave Mercedes Benz Stadium. On a 2nd and 9 at the 24, Wilson has a deep pass to the end zone which is perfectly defended and broken up by Isaiah Oliver. On the 3rd and 9, Wilson throws the ball out of bounds. The Falcons’ defense has held up ad forces a field goal. With 11 minutes to go in the first quarter, the Seahawks lead 3/0.

With 38-year old Matt Schaub at the helm, his first couple of plays are hand-offs to Devonta Freeman, which go for nothing behind no blocking. Then Schaub finds Austin Hooper for a big first down. Freeman has a short run and then a short catch to keep the ball moving. Calvin Ridley can’t make the 1st down reception and the Falcons, with their 3rd punter of the season, Kasey Redfern, are forced to punt.

After a couple of run attempts, on 3rd and 11, Russell has another incompletion with Oliver in coverage. The Falcons take over on their own 10-yard line.

Schaub has a quick 25-yard pass to Julio Jones on the right side, then finds Freeman for a 2-yard, then 11-yard gain. Spreading the ball around, Schaub finds Ridley down the left side line for another first down. The offensive line give Schaub time to view all of his options and he then finds Justin Hardy for an 8-yard gain. Freeman runs to the left for the necessary 2 yards for the first down. Another big Hooper catch, Freeman up the middle for no yards, then the Falcons get backed up by a Wes Schweitzer false start. Another pass to Freeman leaves the Falcons 2 yards short of the first down and force a 51-yard field goal attempt. Gasp. Matt Bryant’s first miss on the day.

Wilson takes the field again, at their own 41. Deion Jones has his first tackle of the game, waiting on the ball carrier to come to him, but makes the stop. De’Vondre Campbell and Damontae Kazee combine for a tackle. At the 33, Beasley steps up for the sack, but instead, Wilson finds Tyler Locketfor a first down. Several plays later, on a 2nd and 4, DK Metcalf is wide open in the end zone and with 11 minutes to go in the half, the Seahawks lead 10/0.

With the ball back in the Falcons’ offense’s hands, Freeman gains 3 yards up the middle. Schaub overthrows Julio downfield, then hits Julio for a short gain on the left sideline. With a 4th and 1 on their own 34, the Falcons go for it. Schaub finds TE Jaeden Graham, wide open, for 11 yards and the first down. Now rolling, the next pass is a 20-yarder to Jones along the sideline. He is called for an OPI. The Falcons call a time out. There is no challenge. Now, the Falcons are 1st and 20 at the 35 instead of 1st and 10 at the Seahawks 35. Schaub drops back and finds Seattle’s Mychal Kendricks for the interception.

Foye Oluokon trips up the Seattle rusher so Campbell can tackle him. Grady gets off the blocker and away from a hold for the next tackle. Wilson fakes a handoff, then carries down the right side himself, bypassing Jones, then Oliver finally knocks him out of bounds. A few plays later, another touchdown. With 4 minutes to go in the half, Seattle leads 17/0.

The Falcons’ offense takes the field. Again moving quickly with a pass to Julio at the 44, a pass up the middle to Freeman. Then a lob back to Freeman for another big gain. A quick pass to Hardy while on the run was knocked out of his hands, as he rolled the ball, still trying to bring it in. An errant throw by Schaub toward Ridley was a near interception by Akeem King. King had the ball and an open field, but dropped it before he could run. Fourth down, Bryant on to attempt a 53 yard field goal. The score remains 17/0.

With less than 2 minutes to go in the half and driving, Seattle is near midfield, Wilson throws a 20-yard pass to Locket, that was perfectly covered by rookie CB Kendall Sheffield. Carson goes up the middle for 5 yards where he meets Jarrett. The FALCONS call a time out. Wilson has an incomplete pass to Metcalf, then another 20 yards to Lockett, again, covered well by Sheffield. Then the FALCONS call their final time out. With a minute to go, Chris Carson gets to the 2, then as Wilson scrambles away from Campbell, he finds Metcalf in the end zone. With 27 seconds to go, the Seahawks lead 24/0.

Somehow, the Falcons get off 4 quick plays. Two passes of 18 and 15 yards to Luke Stocker and Jones, respectively, then at the 42, Schaub spikes the ball with 4 seconds left. No clue what the plan is at this point, but likely it was not to get sacked by Jadaveon Clowney, lose 11 yards, and fumble the ball. Thankfully, the half is over.

The Falcons get the ball to start the second half. Hooper has a reception, then stiff arms defenders to turn it into a 35-yard gain. Freeman finds a hole and gains 15 yards, which is called back on an Alex Mack hold. After a couple of quick passes and a neutral zone infraction, the Falcons are 3 and 1 at the 31 and lose a yard to Clowney. With over 11 minutes to go in the 3rd quarter, the Falcons use a time out and determine to go for the 4th down. Luck has it that Clowney is super active suddenly and has his second neutral zone infraction and provides an automatic first down. Freeman goes around the right end for 4 yards, then Brian Hill comes in to relieve him and runs 23 yards for his first NFL touchdown. The Falcons line up for a 2-point conversion, where Schaub finds Ridley in the back of the end zone for a miraculous catch, both feet down and the score is 24/8.

The defense comes out as hyped as the offense. Seattle manages -11 yards in a 3 and out effort, including tackles for loss by Ricardo Allen and Jarrett and a quick stop by Beasley. GRADY JARRETT gets the Sack on Wilson – the first Falcon sack since week 3 against the Colts. On 4th and 20, Seattle punts.

Schaub has a short pass to Freeman that goes for 7 yards. Mack has another holding penalty backing the Falcons up. On 2nd and 13, Schaub hits Julio for 17 yards. Hooper and Hardy are running the same route as Schaub releases and Hardy speeds up and nearly makes the catch. Freeman gains 13 yards on another pass. Then Freeman bounces right for a 9-yard run. Hill has back to back runs for a total of 6 yards. Schaub is sacked, but holds onto the ball this time. His next pass is behind Russell Gage. Bryant comes on for a successful 47-yard field goal. With just over 3 minutes in the 3rd quarter, Seattle still leads 24/11.

The defense forces another 3 and out, including forcing offensive penalties and a net gain of 2 yards on the series.

When you think it is all turning around, it does not. Traveling 85 yards down the field with successful runs by Freeman, and receptions by Jones, the Falcons are at the 27 when Schaub throws a 19-yard pass to Ridley, who makes another great catch, takes the hit and holds onto the ball. He was taken off and evaluated for a concussion from taking a big hit and nearly landing on his head. Then…..Freeman gets the pass, runs 7 yards to the 1, while twisting and stretching for the end zone, he fumbles the ball which was recovered by Seattle.

Seattle has a quick run for 3 yards for breathing room. Then Wilson finds Lockett for 19 yards, where Rico brings him down. The offense has a holding penalty to back them up, but Wilson finds Lockett wide open for a 12 yard gain, Sheffield tackles out of bounds, then David Moore for 23 yards wide open by Blidi Wreh-Wilson who trips Campbell and Kazee finally makes the stop at the 47. Several short rushes, stopped by the line, then Tyeler Davison gets off his block and turns around for the sack on Wilson for a loss of 2 yards. On 2nd and 12, the scrambling Wilson is watching Jarrett in the backfield, runs to escape, but is quickly stopped by Beasley, an OPI on Lockett, then short pass to Jacob Hollister, and the Seahawks successfully kick a 54-yard field goal, to lead 27/11.

With under 6 minutes left to go in the game, the offense takes the field again. Back to back receptions by Gage for 10 and 17 yards. Then Kaleb McGary has a false start. Schaub finds Hardy for 15 yards, misses Gage, then back to Hooper for 14 yards, mostly after the catch. On the 1^st down, Schaub finds Gage on the sideline for 5 yards, then under pressure, he throws towards Jones, he is knocked down with no penalty called. 3^rd and 5, Schaub lobs it into the end zone, toward Ridley, but hits the helmet of the Seattle defender. The defense was off sides, and Schaub smartly knew he had a free play there. Moved up to the 14, Schaub finds Gage for 6 yards, then way over Hooper in the end zone, with the defender draping him and hitting him in the head – again – no call. Julio gets the call and shoves his way to the 1 yard line. Seattle calls a time out. Stocker is in motion, Hooper gets another touchdown reception. Going for 2 points again, with the exact same play to Hooper and the defense was not fooled, so the score is now 27/17.

With just under 3 minutes to go, the Falcons D forces another 3 and out with Jarrett and Campbell leading the way in stops. The Falcons get the ball back, a quick 21-yard pass to Julio, then to Ridley for 30 yards. In the no huddle, short pass to Hooper who smartly runs out of bounds, then another 8-yard reception to Ridley. The two minute warning stops the clock.

After the 2-minute warning, Schaub hits Gage over the middle then near the sideline and another first down. At the 19 with a minute and a half to go, Schaub spikes the ball and the Falcons send Bryant on for the 37-yard field goal. The score is 27/20 and after the unsuccessful onsides kick, Seattle runs out the clock.

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

October 29, 2017

Atlanta 25 / New York 20

By: Allison Smith

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cover Photo Courtesy of NFL Films

#RiseUp

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And Then There Was One

Atlanta 30 at Detroit 26

September 24, 2017

By: Allison Smith

Alone at the top, as the only NFC team to be undefeated. After only 3 weeks into the NFL season, the other 2 undefeated teams lost today. The Carolina Panthers to the New Orleans Saints, and the Detroit Lions to our beloved Atlanta Falcons…..I think.

As Matt Bryant said, we don’t usually have to ask at the end of the game, “Did we win?” But, in likely one of the strangest endings in history – or at least a long time, the Falcons did move to 3-0 in Detroit. Once again, using the full 60 minutes to determine the result. I was at a local sports bar in Charlotte, and several of us Falcons were gathered and determined that this drama was not necessary. But, we will take a win, by hook or crook.

On the positive note, even with 3 turnovers, the Falcons still won. Two of Matt Ryan’s passes were tipped by his intended targets (Tevin Coleman and Mohamed Sanu, Sr.), for interceptions. The Lions were only able to come away with 3 points from those two. The third, was a pick 6, by Glover Quin, who read Ryan’s eyes perfectly and stepped in front of Julio Jones for the pick. The defense did their job as brothers to help the offense out.

The game started off well enough, Owner Arthur Blank on the field, linking arms with the team, between Devonta Freeman and Julio Jones. We received the opening kickoff and marched down the field in 12 plays and just under 7 minutes to take the opening lead on a Sanu touchdown. Unfortunately, it was questionable and while being reviewed, we were unable to get a Bean Dance.

After an 8 play drive, the Lions punted it back to the Falcons and Andre Roberts made an 11-yard return. The next drive included 2 false starts and a sack and ended in a Bryant field goal. The Lions answered with a field goal of their own, to get on the board at 10/3 with 10 minutes left in the half. Then, it became the Free Show. Two of the next 6 plays were to Freeman, then 4 straight handoffs to Freeman, concluding with his 1-yard touchdown run. And this was not even Free running angry as he did later in the game.

The next Lions drive stalled and they were only able to manage another field goal. But their D stepped up and on the Falcons next drive, next play, Quin had his pick 6.

Overall, short of turnovers, the offense looked good. Free was just Free. Julio had 7 receptions for 91 yards on the day. Taylor Gabriel and Sanu finally had touchdown catches, 40 and 4 yards respectively. Ryan disturbed the ball to 7 receivers, Roberts and Austin Hooper catching one a piece, for 12 and 9 yards. Ryan threw for almost 300 yards on the day.

Courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons — Mohamed Sanu, Sr’s 40-Yard Touchdown Reception – Photo by Atlanta Falcons

The defense had a pretty successful day, realizing one touchdown was not on them and when their backs were against the wall, they stood up and held the line. The Lions were 4 for 4 scoring touchdowns in the red zone…until they weren’t. There were a number of missed tackles again and playing more zone than man to man. Takk McKinley had his first sack of his young NFL career and celebrated by pointing and dedicated it to his grandmother then had 2 more tackles on the day. After the game, Takk said that he just did whatever the coaches wanted him to do. He wants more sacks, but it way more about the Brotherhood.

Adrian Clayborn had another good game, one sack, but putting lots of pressure on the line and Matt Stafford. Grady Jarrett got in on the official stats this week with 4 tackles and caused at least 2 offensive holding penalties. To prove his persistence, at one point, Jarrett had a leg tackle to slow the runner down, another Falcon came in for help, Jarrett got back to his feet and made the crushing tackle.

Deion Jones had an early personal foul penalty, then followed it up with back to back tackles, ending the game with 7 in total. Brian Poole lead the team with 9 tackles, making his hits known too. De’Vondre Campbell was disruptive again and garnered 3 tackles, while Robert Alford had 6 tackles this week and good coverage most of the day.

Special teams…wow…much improved. Matt Bosher was perfect, of course. All except 1 kickoff was a touchback, while he had a 43 and 48-yard punt with one 10-yard return. Bryant had successful field goals of 36, 48, and 40 yards. Roberts had returns of 11, 38, 27, and 16 yards and called for a quick fair catch, was hit and got the team moved up 15 yards.

Overall, there were too many penalties, especially in the final drive of the game, giving up too many free yards. Two sacks were allowed by the new right side combo of Wes Schweitzer and Ty Sambrailo. Both had false starts and Schweitzer added a holding penalty. Ben Garland anyone??? While Desmond Trufant had 2 tackles on the day, those were early, but he also committed 2 late penalties. On the final drive of the game, Tru had an unnecessary hold that overturned a Rocky interception at the goal line, then a pass interference penalty on a 3^rd and 10 that gave the Lions a 1^st and 10 on the 1-yard line.

Special note, for my loyal readers from my previous seasons, you know Paul Worrilow has been my favorite Falcon for the last 4 years, so I was watching Paul this week as well. He had 4 tackles, the first tackle of the game, on Freeman, and not long afterwards tackled Julio. He was also one of the guys in pursuit of Turbo on his touchdown, which we all know would be impossible for anyone to cover. Congrats and good game.

Injury Update: Ricardo Allen is undergoing concussion protocol due to a tackle late in the fourth quarter. Rico did leave the field with assistance, but walked to the locker room on his own. Julio Jones jammed his back on the final offensive play of the game, gaining 11 of the 12 needed yards. Julio will flipped, but afterwards he and Dan Quinn reported the injury not to be serious. Julio said he would have gone back in if that was not the final offensive possession.

Devonta Freeman’s First Run of the Day – Former Falcon Paul Worrilow on the Tackle. Photo Courtesy of Atlanta Falcons

Iron Falcon Award: Brian Poole – leading tackler for the game, on a Stafford run, Poole seemed to let up slightly, waiting for Stafford to slide, which he did not, so Poole laid him out. Poole also ended the game with the touchdown saving tackle. Devonta Freeman – time and time again, Free had 3 back to back runs, ran angry, ran fast, blocked for teammates, ended with 21 rushes for 103 yards and a long 18-yard run, and 3 receptions for 32 yards. Free even tried to fight when Julio was hurt.

#RiseUp

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Photos Courtesy of Atlanta Falcons