FalconAlley Football

Penalties Rock the Falcons, Again

September 22, 2019

Article By Allison Smith

Photos courtesy of Atlanta Falcons

Inactives for the Falcons: Matt Bosher, Matt Gono, Brian Hill, Jordan Miller, Qadree Ollison, Deadrin Senat, Olamid Zaccheaus.

The captains are Alex Mack, Julio Jones, Ricardo Allen, Matt Ryan, and the 5^th for this week is Adrian Clayborn.

Matt Wile starts the game with a touchback and the Indianapolis Colts will begin on their own 25. A quick run to the left side and stopped on the 33 by Isaiah Oliver. Another short run gains the first down, but is a quick stop by Tyeler Davison. Jacoby Brissett drops back for his first pass, scrambling with Grady Jarrett and others in pursuit, he completes the pass to Marlon Mack who is pushed out of bounds by Vic Beasley, Jr. On 2^nd and 1, the Colts run again, through the middle, tackled by Deion Jones. At the 50, Jack Crawford jumps offside to move the Colts to the Falcons 45. Brissett slings one to Parris Campbell who makes the 11-yard catch. Damontae Kazee slows him up for Ricardo Allen to make the stop. Another run goes for nothing up the middle with Allen Bailey and Kemal Ishmael making the stop. On 2^nd and 10, the Colts run again, this time for a yard, with Beasley, Takk McKinley, and Claybo making the stop. After a Falcons timeout, the Colts facing 3^rd and 9 have a quit toss to T.Y. Hilton who is immediately knocked out of bounds by Oliver. Adam Vinatieri comes on for a successful 49-yard field goal. The Colts lead 3/0 at the Q1 9:30 mark.

Kenyon Barner takes the kickoff out to the 17-yard line. Matt Ryan opens up with a handoff to Devonta Freeman, who zooms through for 28 yards!!!! Ryan hands off to Freeman again, for a 3-yard gain. Ryan drops back and finds Austin Hooper for a 10-yard gain. And you hear “Hoooop” throughout the stadium. Ryan hands off to Ito Smith for no gain. On 2^nd and 10, Ryan throws to Luke Stocker who makes the reception, but it is still 3^rd and 5. Ryan hands off to Smith who goes to the left side for no gain, plus James Carpenter is called for holding. It’s 3^rd and 15 from the 46. Ryan throws a bomb way over Julio Jones’ head. He is covered by Rock Ya-Sin, a Temple and Presbyterian College cornerback.

The Falcons only other active running back, Smith, is helped up from the field, then helped off the field.

Matt Wile punts to the 7-yard line.

The Colts begin with a pass to Hilton for a quick 6 yard gain. 2^nd and 4, Marlon Mack runs up to the 27 and is finally stopped there by Rico. Another long pass to Hilton and Rico makes the immediate hard stop. A ridiculous helmet to helmet is called and the Colts are given another 15 yards. The Colts have the ball at the Falcons 32. De’Vondre Campbell calls a shift before the snap, the Colts run for no gain with Jones on the stop. The Colts have a holding call that backs them up, on 2^nd and 20 a 5-yard pass that is stopped by Ish. 2^nd and 15, a pass to Doyle who is immediately stopped by Campbell. A successful pass to Eric Ebron and missed tackle by Campbell provides another Colts first down. On the 18, Brissett finds a wide open Zach Pascall in the right corner of the end zone. The Colts take a 10/0 lead with 1:25 left in the first quarter.

After the kick-off, a wide-open Julio Jones makes his first reception of the game, for a 17-yard game. His tackler is being checked on the field, as the entire team is PHYSICAL. From the 42, Ryan flings one to an open Hooper, for a 19-yard gain. Freeman gains 5. Quarter 1 comes to an end.

Freeman pushes through the middle to get another first down. 1^st and 10 at the Colts 28, Ryan throws an interception in the middle of the field at the 3, in an attempt to Stocker.

First down and the Colts get a quick pass and first down. Next pass goes for a short gain with a quick stop by Oliver. On 2^nd and 5, Brissett fires downfield to Ebron who is knocked out by Ish after a 29-yard gain. Just across the 50, the Colts try to run and are stopped by Davison for a loss. 2^nd and 12, the Colts barely get back to the line of scrimmage, nearly stopped for a big loss by Grady Jarrett, but stopped at the line of scrimmage by Claybo. On 3^rd and 12, Brissett short passes to Hines who is dripped up by Rico who lunges for a first down. Back on the ground, the Colts attempt to run up the middle for a 2-yard game. A side pass to Hilton gains a few yards, forcing a 3^rd and 3 from the 32. Crawford jumps again and gives the Colts a first down. Brissett to Jack Doyle for a first down, stopped by Kazee at the 19. On 1^st and 10 from the 15, Brissett hands off to Mack who gains 9 ½ yards where he is finally stopped by Campbell. Hilton tries for the touchdown, but is in the arms of Keanu Neal and Oliver. While the Falcons are substituting, the Colts try for the hurry up and call a time out.

After the time out, a play fake with Ish coming in hard, Campbell with a hold in the end zone, Brissett throws the ball away, but instead it is still 1^st and goal. Handoff to Mack and is stopped for loss by Bailey. Brissett is chased way back by Bailey and throws his first incompletion of the game (17^th pass) and throws through the end zone. On 3^rd and goal, the defense stands up again, as Brissett is pursued by Rico who grabs at his feet and causes another throw through the end zone. The Colts kick another field goal and with just under 6 minutes to go in the half, the Colts now lead 13/0.

Ryan comes out throwing to the always sure handed Mohammed Sanu for a first down. Another successful pass to Sanu for another first down. FREEEE breaks through for a 24-yard pick up. From the Colts 30, Free gains no yards and a Colt and Jamon Brown are injured on the play. 2^nd and 10, Ryan drops back and has another zinger to Jones for another 1^st down. In the red zone, Jones is not on the field. A handoff to Free that gets stopped before he hits the line. Julio rejoins the team, next to Hooper at the 16. 2^nd and 11, Ryan throws out of the end zone over Hooper. Jones was open in the other side of the end zone. On 3^rd and 11, Ryan is under great pressure and he throws out of bounds. Matt Bryant on for the successful 34-yard field goal. With just over two minutes to go in the half, the Colts lead 13/3.

After a 31-yard kick return, Kendall Scheffield makes the stop before the Colts have a runback for a touchdown. Nyheim Hines loses a yard to Claybo and Kazee on the first down.

After the 2 minute warning, the Colts throws big for Deon Cane, but the ball is just short and incomplete. 3^rd and 9, Brissett drops back under major pressure throws an incomplete pass, but Keke is called for PI. Meanwhile, Brissett digs himself out from under Grady and Claybo. Another incompletion by Brissett to Hilton under Oliver coverage. Brissett completes to Cane for a first down, with Kazee stopping him at the marker. 90 seconds to go, Colts on the Falcons 40. Under Claybo pressure, Brissett throws to Hilton for a 3-yard loss – as soon as Hines receives the ball, he is leveled by Debo. The next play is a pass to Hilton, a yard shy of the first down with Desmond Trufant with the big stop. 4^th and 1, Grady cannot get off the field in time and the Falcons provide the automatic first down and 5 yards. Brissett throws to Hines who gets big yards after the catch, making Foye Oluokun and Debo miss. Keke finally brings him down on the 9 ½. Oliver knocks down the touchdown pass to Hilton. Keke is now injured in the end zone, throws his helmet and receives a penalty for THAT. Debo closes quickly on the pass and ensure another incompletion for Brissett to Hines. Then the touchdown to Hilton with Oliver in coverage. The Colts lead 20/3 leading into the half.

The first half begins with the Falcons offense taking the field at the 25. The first pass goes for yards to Stocker for 5 yards. Freeman is then stopped behind the line. Another big pass to Sanu for another first down. The Falcons are at their own 43 when they hand off to Freeman for 3 yards. A 6 ½ yard reception to Justin Hardy forces a short 3^rd down. Jones and Hardy are off the field, with Free and FB Keith Smith on the field. Freeman up the middle, right at the 50 for the first down. Ryan drops back and throws the bomb to Jones to the 13. Julio looked back, faked the defender who tripped as Julio turned and made the break. Next play, finally, a touchdown, to Hooper. Coverage is drawn short, Hooper is a few yards out, makes the reception and forces his way across the goal line. The Falcons are now 10 back, down 20/10 early in the 3^rd quarter.

On the Colt’s first possession of the second half, they hand off to Mack who is jammed up by Grady, who looks annoyed at the world today. Beasley gets the big sack on the next play, forcing a 3^rd and 23. While Takk is laying on the field, after having Brissett in his grasp. Debo forcing the running back out of bounds after a few yards gain. Very little time has moved off the clock, no movement, and the defense forced a quick punt.

Barner takes the punt back 14 yards, with a flag on the play. Blidi Wreh-Wilson had a blindside block on the return, so the Falcons begin on their own 22. A screen to Freeman is a loss and it’s instantly 2^nd and 15. Freeman gets the call again for a 5-yard gain. Ryan to Jones for another first down. Looks like he will go deep, but stops short and makes the first down reception. Ryan and Free miss the handoff, Free makes a block for Ryan to gain 4 yards. Looked like Ryan didn’t hand off the ball as Free looked surprised, then also asked for the shovel pass as he lead the way. Free does get the next run, to the left side for a few yards. On 3^rd and 2, Sanu and Jones on the sideline, Calvin Ridley is in blocking, Hooper makes the first down reception. BUT, Ridley is called for the PI and it is 3^rd and 12. Ryan, HIGH over the middle of the field, 22 yard reception for JULIO JONES. Now tied for 4^th most 100-yard games in NFL history. Ju was on the left side, single coverage, and just flay outran the defenders.

On first down, Free goes to the right side for 2 yards. Another run by Freeman, stopped 2 yards back in the middle of the line. On 3^rd down, pass to the left side, to who else….Sanu right at the first down marker. Freeman gains another 3 yards and heads to the sideline. Barner comes in at running back and receives a pass for 5 yards. Ryan makes a great completion to Ridley for another first down. The Falcons at the Colts’ 19, Ryan hands off to Free who finds a big hole, and jukes a little, on the right side and gains 12 yards. Forcing additional yards on top of a defender. The Colts challenge that Free fumbled while on top of their defender. The referee declared you cannot challenge this play as the runner had given himself up and the play was dead. The 3^rd quarter comes to an end.

The 4^th quarter begins with the Falcons down by 10, with a first down on the Colts’ 7-yard line.

Free gets the call and gets inside the 5-yard line. Ryan drops back and throws to Stocker at the 2 where he is stood up and stopped. Ryan to Hooper for his second touchdown of the day. Falcons down by 3 with most of the 4^th quarter to go. Colts 20/Falcons 17.

Colts begin their possession with a delay of game, 1^st and 15 at the 20. Brissett starts to throw, but there are too many Falcons around applying pressure and he tosses a ball that could have been intercepted, but falls short and incomplete. Crawford, Beasley, and Claybo were on top of Brissett and his blockers. Brissett finds Mo Alie-Cox for a first down, taken down by Oliver. A pitch to Mack and Debo finds him immediately for a 5-yard loss. Beasley set the edge pushing him outside into Debo. Grady is called for a false start. 2^nd and 10, Brissett completes a sideline pass to Mack, Debo immediately shoves him out. 3^rd and 5, Brissett is under pressure, nearly sacked, but runs for the first down himself. Crawford and Grady at his feet tripping him up as he falls for the 6-yard gain. On first down near the 50, with a play fake, he throws long for Ebron and Oliver makes the perfect knock down, closing as the ball drops and knocks it out. Meanwhile, Grady says hello to Brissett from the turf. Another incompletion leads to 3^rd and 10 as Brissett picks himself up from the turf again. Pass is incomplete with flags flying again. Holding by Kazee, another free first down. Colts at the Falcons 48, rookie John Cominsky is in pursuit of Brissett, but he still gets the pass off for a 9 yard gain, stopped by Ishmael. Mack tries to get the first down in the middle of the line, to no avail. Bailey pulling from the back, Kazee meeting him at the line. Wide open Pascal gets to the 5-yard line, with Oliver saving the touchdown. Another busted coverage by the Falcons as Pascal was wide open at the reception. Mack runs to the far right side and gets the touchdown with a stiff arm to Tru, Kazee, and Olukon. With 8:40 to go in the game, Colts go back up by 10, leading 27/17.

Barner brings the kickoff out to the 29-yard line. A quick pass to Freeman gains 2 yards, as a flag lays on the ground. Again. Brown called for the block in the back. 1st and 20, Ryan throws to Freeman again, who is stopped for a 7-yard gain. In the shotgun, Ryan throws to Hooper, who refuses to be tackled and gains an additional 8 yards after the catch, but is a yard short of the first down. Direct snap to Sanu, who goes left for the first down. Ryan to Sanu for a few yards gain, but Brown is called for holding this time and backs the Falcons back up. 2^nd and 20 from the 30, Ryan to Sanu for a 10-yard gain. Ryan finds Jones for another first down. Ryan with a high pass to Freeman that falls incomplete. Under great pressure, the ball flies into the air and to the ground. Smartly, Ridley grabs the ball-just in case, which is called an incomplete pass. Jake Matthews is called for holding and once again it is 2^nd and 20 and back in Falcons territory. A quick pass in the middle of the field to Hooper for a 9-yard gain. Just across midfield, Ryan drops back to throw to Jones, who has been pulled down by Quincy Wilson. PI was called, and Colts head coach Frank Reich throws the red challenge flag.

The ruling on the field of PI stands and the Falcons are 1^st and 10 at the 36. Ryan with a big pass to Sanu, along with a hitting the QB, first and goal at the 9-yard line. Atlanta has the 16^th penalty as Kaleb McGary moves early, 1^st and goal from the 14. Pass to Jones at the 10-yard line. Next pass…..JUUUUU with another big touchdown reception. Leaping over defenders, hauling it in. With 4:11 to go in the game, the Falcons are down by 3.

A quick 8 yard pick up for the Colts with time ticking away. Brissett continues hand-offs, this time Mack for another 1^st down, stopped by Crawford. Another 4-yard run and the Falcons take a time out with 2:36 to go in the game. Behind the big left guard, Mack gets 26 yards, untouched until Debo takes him down at the Falcons 33. Mack gains another 3 yards and we roll in to the 2-minute warning.

With 2 minutes to go in the game, the Colts are up by 3 and the Falcons have one timeout. Colts are 2^nd and 7, rush up for 3 yards. Grady is out with a toe injury for this crucial 3^rd and 4. Brissett in the shotgun, passes to Doyle, who gains the first down, then slides before Kazee can push him out of bounds to stop the clock. Now, the Colts only have to run out the clock.

Injuries – With no official updates:

Ito Smith – Concussion
Keanu Neal – Achilles
Jamon Brown – Hand
Grady Jarrett – Toe
Kenjon Barner – Concussion
Takk McKinley – Knee

Golden Talon:

Allen Bailey – several key tackles, tackles for loss, and saved a touchdown that turned into only a field goal by stopping Marlon Mack and causing an errant throw on 1^st and 2^nd and goal.
Mohammed Sanu – always being dependable, reading the cover 2 so well, converting 3^rd and 8 and a 3^rd and 10, getting the direct snap for a running first down.
Austin Hooper – dependable hands for 6 of 7 target, 66 yards, 2 touchdowns, always pushing, leaning, and forcing additional yards.

FalconAlley Owt

Hooping it up with Dukes and Bell.

Interview Recap and Photo by Allison Smith

Austin Hooper joined 92.9’ The Game‘s afternoon show Dukes and Bell on Wednesday, September 18, 2019.

Asked about the dancing in the locker room after the game, Hooper said that, “It always feels good to win, have to take the good with the bad, but have to enjoy when the wins come.” And said that his favorite time is the 20 minutes in the locker room, all together, “Jumping around really feeling the “Brotherhood” together.”

In his fourth game in his fourth year against the Philadelphia Eagles, Hooper feels more comfortable going against their defense. He knows that Malcolm Jenkins is ‘the tell’ for their defense, so just watch where he is on the field and you will know what they are planning to do.

Asked if he can hear the fans yelling “Hooooop” from the stands, Hooper replied, “It’s pretty cool to hear it out there. First year, I thought they were booing me, thought **** I just got a first down, then realized they were saying “Hoop.”

I’ve always thought it was funny, how many teams have a player with a nickname that sounds like a boo. The Carolina Panthers had Brad Hoover, now Luke Kuechly, and of course, our own Truuuuuu.

In the off season and around team practices, Hooper does allot of work with Matt Ryan, but also lots of different drills/reps with the other receivers and Devonta Freeman, so they are all in sync. In the end, Hooper knows as a Tight End, that he is a blocker first. That being said, he commented on the play of the offensive line, saying that lots of times they are all good in their blocking, but then everyone is taking turns messing up, not all at once, but is costly. “We all, including me, have to be better.” But the O line is becoming a more cohesive unit. Hooper has full confidence in the offensive line and team.

Austin Hooper is becoming a very depended upon target and has 13 catches on 15 targets so far this season, for 111 yards.

Redemption in The ATL

Eagles 20/Falcons 24

September 18, 2019

Photos and Article by Allison Smith

There is nothing more Atlanta than the way the Sunday Night Football game went down against Philadelphia.

With 2:10 left, and down by 3, the Falcons are near midfield with a 4^th and 3. Quarterback Matt Ryan falls back and throws to Julio Jones for the 54-yard game winning touchdown.

Naturally, the Eagles have too much time left on the clock, drive back down, until 2^nd year Cornerback Isaiah Oliver makes the tackle of the game, keeping Zach Ertz from gaining the needed yardage on fourth down. After a review, it is confirmed that Ertz did not gain the yards needed and Mercedes Benz Stadium was the second loudest it has ever been….the first loudest was moments early during the Julio 54-yard run.

There was a yard that each fan saw Julio reach when that fan knew he could not be stopped. For Mohammad Sanu, it was as soon as he had his guy out of the way and saw Jake Matthews flatten another defender. As we all know, no one can catch Julio if they are not already next to Julio. Possibly the fastest to him was actually Calvin Ridley who joined him from across the field to celebrate in the tunnel that Julio had run into. When you are going 20.7 MPH, it is hard to stop, even in the end zone.

With this touchdown, Ryan threw the 300^th touchdown of his career, while Julio became the all-time leading receiver, surpassing his big brother, mentor, and friend, Roddy White. Julio finished the day with 10,868 receiving yards, with Roddy wrapping his career in 2015 with a total of 10,863. Of course, Julio had no clue, but when asked after the game, Julio said he was “Honored to be mixing it up with him.”

Calvin Ridley Making the Catch with Defenders Closing

Julio was also asked about being double covered so often, and he replied that he was just “Trying to play each play at a time, because that means Sanu, Calvin Ridley, Justin Hardy are out there 1 on 1.” Note that Julio was being double covered when Calvin Ridley hauled in his touchdown.

While the end of the game was action packed and exciting, the real story, to me, was the redemption of the team as a whole and many individual players. After the ugly Minnesota loss, fans and experts alike were picking apart numerous players for looking unprepared and definitely not playing up to their potential. Almost every one of those players not only played better, but really stepped up and had significant contributions against a tough Philadelphia team. Most, redeemed themselves.

Takk McKinley was in the right spot all night, had 2 tackles, both for loss, 2 quarterback hits, lots of pressure and energy. Vic Beasley was in the backfield all day with near sacks, 3 quarterback hits and an actual sack. De’Vondre Campbell had 8 tackles and great movement all game. Desmond Trufant was finally back looking like the Tru of old, hauling in 2 interceptions, one returned for 10 yards and 3 passes defended, 1 of his 2 pass break ups forced an early punt for the Eagles. Trufant credited the corner’s successful day with the defensive line play.

Overall, the defense had 10 quarterback hits, 6 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, and 2 interceptions. The defense did not allow anyone outside this week. They may have allowed receptions, but all receivers knew they were stopped immediately with this physical Falcon D. Note that many Eagles did not practice yet this week due to bumps and bruises. The D had big stops on 3^rd and goal and a 4^th and goal, included a monster hit by Ricardo Allen on Nelson Agholorin the end zone to dislodge the touchdown pass. Naturally, Rico read that one all the way and told Kendall Sheffield to push the WR to him because he had jumped the seem earlier and knew Carson Wentz would try to take advantage.

Keanu Neal led the team in tackles with 9, followed by Campbell, then Damontae Kazee that really stepped up this week, tallying 8 tackles, but was much more affective this week, mostly because of the catch up the Falcons played last week.

In the first quarter, Grady Jarrett’s sack forced the Eagles’ first field goal vs. allowing the Eagles to continue to drive for a possible touchdown. Grady played even better than game 1 and had a special salute to his Mom, that was in attendance, just days after surgery. She wasn’t going to miss a Grady game. Grady finished with 5 tackles, 1 for loss, and 2 quarterback hits.

The offensive line only allowed 1 sack and 6 quarterback hits while Ryan dropped back 34 times. And the bulldozer leveling that Matthews did to open the lane for Julio proved he was redeemed for his opening play sack from the previous week. Jamon Brown had a solid day at right guard, in for the injured rookie Chris Lindstrom.

On the negative offensive side, Ryan had another 3 interceptions. A bad pass to Sanu, who was triple covered, another bad decision into the end zone – which stopped a touchdown, and when Julio was in cover zero, but the pass was still picked off. All bad throws/decisions on Ryan’s part. Julio did have a WWE like tackle on the Ronald Darby INT, so, there is that.

Also not redeeming or even helping the justification for being on the team vs. other TE’s that were traded….Luke Stocker tried to leap over a defender (ala Austin Hooper) which led to no more yards gained, but a fumble. Naturally, Sanu was right there and saw the ball come out and instantly jumped on it, saving what could have been a disastrous turnover in the Falcons’ territory.

In the toughness category, rookie starter Kaleb McGary went out with a knee issue, was actually helped off the field. Ryan was shoved into him/rolled up on his leg and Ryan commented later, “I feel bad, I thought I hurt him.” Meanwhile, Ty Sambrailo came in and was a solid back up for McGary. After being evaluated, McGary told coaches that he was going back in, his team was depending on him and he was ok and needed to be out there with his brothers.

Freeman Preparing to Block then Receive the Shovel Pass

While the numbers are not overly impressive for the running game this week, it was actually a successful week on the ground, gaining necessary yards at crucial times. Devonta Freeman had 11 runs for 22 yards, one being a long 9-yarder, and several for loss when the O Line wasn’t so good. Ito Smith had 4 carries for 32 yards, one was a 28-yard break out that was nearly a touchdown. Often overlooked, Free had 3 receptions (which often look like runs – shovel passes) for 42 yards, a 28 of his own that was nearly a touchdown, and Ito caught 2 passes for 13 yards. The Eagles using Cover Zero most of the day, while appreciated, didn’t make much since, playing Ju, Calvin, or Sanu 1:1 is never a good plan; leading to Julio’s 2 touchdowns and Calvin’s 1 on the day.

Julio had 5 receptions for 106 yards and 2 touchdowns, while 2^nd year receiver Ridley had 8 receptions for 105 yards. Sanu had 4 receptions for 16 yards, and tight end Austin Hooper finished with 4 catches for 34 yards, another big 14 yarder on the day. Stocker was targeted once, caught, then fumbled that one.

Last week, the fourth play of the game was a blocked punt and the Falcons had 2 failed 2-point conversions. While the return game was all but non-existent, we did finally got to see Matt Bryant’s leg, possibly more than we had hoped. Matt Bosher pulled a hamstring in warm ups and did punt twice, but did not perform any of the kick offs in the game. Bryant kicked a successful 50-yarder to give the Falcons the early lead, but then also handled all of the kickoff duties in the game. Kicks were good, not touchbacks, but several times, the Special Teams over pursued and the returner gained more yards than preferred, but nothing crippling.

On the second half kickoff, rookie Sheffield forced a fumble that was recovered by Sharrod Neasman providing the Falcons with excellent field position at the Philly 33. Three plays later, Ryan threw a 4-yard pass to Julio for the touchdown. A definite improvement from the first week.

In 2 games, the Falcons have committed 19 penalties, 10 this week. A couple were questionable, so I will give them 8….either way, still needs to be cleaned up as several were costly on yardage at the wrong time.

After seeing the play on the field this Sunday night, not just the fact that the Falcons won, but how they won against a really good Philadelphia team, I feel better about the season, but hope we do not start to play to our opponent. We have seen some insufferable games against some mediocre AFC opponents in recent years.

Injury Report:

Kaleb McGary – knee issue is being nursed, but not a deep concern.
Matt Bosher – groin is being monitored, another punter has been signed to practice squad to watch throughout the week.
Kenjon Barner – ankle issue is being monitored and did not practice Wednesday.
Matt Gono – back issue is improving and was limited.
Keanu Neal – groin issue, also limited.

Golden Talon:

Most people would say Trufant with his 2 interceptions, but I would have to say De’Vondre Campbell for his relentlessness, pursuing, 8 tackles and overall awareness of the day. Also, Mohamed Sanu for his receptions, tackle after an interception, and constant blocking for his teammates. Sanu is a leader on the team in so many unsung ways.

FALCONALLEY OWT

Mistakes in Minnesota

September 9, 2019

Article By: Allison Smith

Photos Courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons

The offense is one of the best in the league, on paper. The Defense is back at full strength, young, healthy, and with a new Defensive Coordinator. A revamped Offensive line, that never played together in the preseason. New Special teams coach with restructured and built up return game. Overall game plan. BLAND. Overall, team play. BAD. This is how the Atlanta Falcons begin the 2019 campaign.

The only player not active due to injury was Matt Gono, leading Kaleb McGary to start at right tackle. Next to him is fellow first round draft pick, Chris Lindstrom. McGary did share time with experienced Ty Sambrailo.

The first offensive play of the game was indicative of the entire game. The Falcons offense takes the field after the opening kickoff. The first offensive play ends in a sack on Matt Ryan for an 8-yard loss. Followed by a short Devonta Freeman run, then a 12-yard scramble by Ryan, that resulted in a fourth down. The punt was blocked and Minnesota starts their first drive on the Falcons’ 21. Two plays later, Kirk Cousins finds Adam Thielen for the touchdown.

The Falcons managed 4 turnovers, while the defense officially forced one, but did not recover that ball. Ryan threw 2 interceptions. The first was a bad decision to an overly covered Julio Jones, the other seemed like a miscommunication to Luke Stocker in the end zone. Stocker pulled up while Ryan threw the ball to the corner of the end zone, into the hands of Anthony Harris. Meanwhile, Mohammed Sanu, Julio, and Calvin Ridley were on the sidelines. The usually sure handed Freeman had a fumble in the red zone, which Sanu came up with, but was ruled a turnover to Minnesota. As a note, Freeman was nearly down and going for extra yards and not just dropping or mishandling the ball, but in the end, a fumble is a fumble.

Ryan didn’t look comfortable Sunday, clearly beginning with a sack doesn’t help your quarterback feel confident with his mostly new offensive line.

Austin Hooper lead the team in receptions with 9 catches for 77 yards, but was used too late in the game to matter. Ridley had 4 receptions for 64 yards and an uncelebrated touchdown. Jones had 6 receptions, 31 yards, and a very late touchdown. As usual, Sanu made some incredible catches for 57 yards and Justin Hardy looked sharp on limited time with 4 receptions for 41 yards. Russell Gage had one reception that lead to a no call hit to the head and left the game under concussion protocol.

The offensive line that was built in free agency and the draft (including moving up in the draft to take 2 offensive linemen in the first round), was no better than last season. The starting lineup never played together in any of the 5 preseason due to rotations, injuries, trials. The Falcons rotated tackles in and out instead of settling on a single player for the game.

Freeman and Ito Smith were the only running backs activated for the game. Freeman had 8 rushes for 19 yards while Smith tallied 31 yards on his 6 carries. Ryan was the second leading rusher with 2 scrambles for 24 yards. Third downs became easily predictable due to the lack of the running game. The o-line allowed 4 sacks (3, against Jake Matthews) and 7 hits on Ryan, so he never really had time to set and make good passes and with the running game nearly non-existent, there were many 3 and outs, leaving the defense on the field much of the game.

That being said, the defense did a decent job and adjusted well after half time, but it was too little too late at that point. The defense gave up 265 yards on the day, but could not stop the run game. The first score for Minnesota was immediately after the punt block, so was a short field and an instant 7/0 lead. Now healthy, Keanu Neal, Deion Jones, and Ricardo Allen had good games, with 1, 5, and 3 tackles respectively. Likely Keke and Rico will receive fine letters this week due to “physical” hits. Meanwhile, Vic Beasley pulled up on a possible sack, possibly because of the rules in the back of his head.

The leading tackler was new Falcon Tyeler Davison with 8 total tackles, followed by Minnesota grad De’Vondre Campbell with 6. The interior defensive line had a decent day (Davison, Grady Jarrett, Jack Crawford), however the defense could not set the hard edge and ended up giving up the soft corner too often. Dalvin Cook had a 21-yard play when Takk McKinley ran inside and didn’t have containment. Overall, the defensive ends had a rough day. As expected, Isaiah Oliver was picked on, very successfully for the Vikings.

The defense was not able to make Kirk Cousins uncomfortable, so he was able to easily complete 8 of 10 passes for 98 yards, then rely on the running game. Cousins did fumble three times, one caused by Jarrett, the other by Neal, but was ruled out of bounds, and simply missed the hand-off once. The rest of the game however, Cousins was not under duress.

Like many fans, I think the Falcons did not have enough starters time on the field, or on the field at the same time during the preseason. They needed more real playing time, together, and better communications. The communication issues were even more prevalent in the offensive issues, offensive line as well as Ryan and some of his receivers. The team accumulated 9 penalties. And after the drama of bringing back Matt Bryant, when the Falcons did finally score 2 touchdowns, they went, unsuccessfully, for the 2-point conversion and did not even utilize Bryant.

Overall, the team looked ill-prepared for the start of the season. All 3 phases of the games were near disasters. The first play of the game was a sack allowed by the offense, three plays later, a punt was blocked, then two plays later, the defense gave up the first touchdown of the game. Everyone’s post-game interviews sounded mad and frustrated with their performance. As they should have. Hopefully this means big things for the home opener on Sunday night against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Injury Update

Russell Gage: In concussion protocol.
Chris Lindstrom: Broken foot, on IR, out for 8 weeks.

Golden Talon: Grady Jarrett – Grady recorded a sack, forced fumble, 2 tackles for loss, and 5 total tackles in the game. He had good pressure all day, despite often being held with no calls.

#RISEUP

FalconAlley Owt

Rico is Ready

September 4, 2019

By: Allison Smith

Just days away from the season opener, Ricardo Allen calls in to Dukes and Bell to share his thoughts on the upcoming season.

Rico was on Injured Reserve most of last season, going out in the third game of the season. Now, he has healed, rehabbed, and studied to come back even stronger. His wife, Grace, helps….or ensures he is doing is film study at home as she helps break down film. With all of his rehab time, he had plenty of time to watch film and prepare. This training camp and preseason, he has begun sitting in on many of the offensive meetings in order to hear their views and discussions and be even more prepared for other teams. Rico is the defensive play caller and last line of defense on the field. Rico always makes sure the defense is lined up correctly, especially when there is any offensive movement before the snap.

Ricardo told Carl Dukes and Mike Bell of 92.9 The Game’s afternoon show that he is glad pre-season is over. He’s ready to play. He has been limited in pre-season as a starter and returning from injury. Rico said that Head Coach Dan Quinn (serving as defensive coordinator) is keeping everyone busy and excited. DQ really gets into the details.

Ricardo is excited to see Isaiah Oliver at Cornerback this year, he did his learning last year and is ready this year. “He will give up some plays, but will make more plays; he’s been putting the work and study in.”

Rico noted they are a competitive defense and ready to put some hits on some guys in real games. If they are throwing the ball up, we are going to try and go get it. Rico is very confident in this defense and the work they have put in so far and know they are going to do their part to keep the score low and let the offense do their part.

Discussing the grind to get back to playing this season, Rico was trying to enjoy the process and learn from that slow process. Sometimes you feel like you are going backwards, but you just have to keep working and trying and know you are blessed to be able to heal up and come back.

#RiseUp

#FalconAlleyOwt