The Game Day Goods

Dukes & Bell Sneak into Mr. Blank’s Office

By:  Allison Smith

August 5, 2019

On Monday, August 5, 2019, Carl Dukes and Mike Bell (from the 92.9 afternoon show “Dukes and Bell”) showed up to Mr. Arthur Blank’s office to talk Atlanta Falcon football.  I can neither confirm nor deny if they were actually invited, but Mr. Blank did speak with them on a variety of topics.

This interview was the day after the Military focused Fan Day in Mercedes Benz Stadium.  Tickets were $5 each and sold out, raising over $200,000 to be donated to Veterans Empowerment Organization.  

Dukes and Bell started with questioning the expectations for this season for the Falcons.  Mr. Blank’s expectations are for the team to be in the discussion every year, to be competitive each year.  He noted the defense is healthy, the team made some good draft choices and FA pick-ups.  Mr. Blank loves where the team is right now, but said, “You have to play the games.”  He quipped that, “Matt Ryanplays better vertically than horizontally.” Matt is in great shape and he needs to be  kept that way.  Mr. Blank commented that the staple is a great O and D line to play successfully, carry you throughout the season, and into the colder climates late in the season.

Head Coach Dan Quinn said “the compass was off last year.”  Mr. Blank “One of the great strengths of Dan is that he is brutally honest with himself and with me.”  Dan looked at his coaching staff and evaluated and made changes.  DQ brought in several guys that are familiar with Matt with great offensive minds.  With Dan now calling the plays on defense – he will be able to really focus on the defensive plays and players and help with all the current and new guys.  Mr. Blank doesn’t think they necessarily lost the compass, but DQ looked without filters and made necessary changes.  He and General Manager Thomas Dimitroff agreed on what changes needed to take place.

Julio Jones will be a Falcon for life, and we all know his accomplishments and he will be the highest paid receiver in the NFL….and Ju will be kept healthy and ready for game 1.  He is physically and mentally in great shape.  There is great trust on both sides, just waiting on his agent to finish talks.

Mr. Blank thinks we have moved from protest to progress.  He serves on several NFL committees to help and lead progress and believes players should use their platform to affect change.  The league is definitely paying attention to the need for change and the climate of change.

Thanks to Dukes and Bell for bringing us the top interviews.

#RiseUp

FalconAlley OWT

Allison on Ollison

Article and Photo by Allison Smith

July 30, 2019

 

The article title was too good to pass up, every time I hear someone call Qadree Ollison by his last name, I think they are saying mine, so had to do the pun here.

 Carl Dukes and Mike Bell of the 92.9 The Game afternoon show “Dukes and Bell” spoke to Qadree Ollison; their interview aired on Tuesday afternoon.

Qadree was a 5th round draft pick from the University of Pittsburg, and is taking on a big number to fill, as he will be wearing the Falcons #32.  Qadree is notably bigger than your average running back, coming in at 6’2” and 225 pounds.  I met Qadree at training camp on Thursday, July 25th.  I was able to chat briefly and he could not have been nicer.  Having heard many great things about his playing ability, I was excited to see his practice and meet him personally.  He did not disappoint, making some good moves and runs at practice.  As a note, if you want to make FalconAlley a fan, do 1 of 2 things, play really well and/or meet her at training camp!

 At the combine, Qadree was not the fasted RB out there, but he noted that, “Allot of people don’t run fast 40’s but don’t get caught in the game.  I think I am fast enough to run fast and make good plays.”  And as big as he is, he can run over people or stiff arm them out of the way.  He is aware he may be blocking or performing fullback duties at times for Devonta Freeman and is ready for that responsibility.  Playing at Pittsburg, he is well versed in pass protection and has a very good understanding of what it entails.

 Obviously there are differences from college to the NFL game.  Qadree stated that in college you have the playbook and practice, but also study hall and classes and such.  Now, in the NFL you have practice, working out, and studying of the playbook time.  So he plans to spend class and study hall time, studying the playbook and learning from the veterans, it is just a different routine.

Qadree has an excellent mentor as well.  Ollison is learning from Freeman, “He is amazing, he teaches me so much, not just about football.  He teaches you about life and being a professional on and off the field.”  Qadree just watches the way Freeman works and prepares and he feels he has been put in a great situation here in Atlanta. 

He said that he loves Atlanta, the city, and the people.  Having grown up in Niagara Falls, Qadree is happy to play indoors or mostly good weather, but is good with any of the elements.  Noting that he played college is Pittsburg……

 When asked about how the death of his older brother affected him, Ollison said that it motivates him every day.  He plays with a different sort of chip on his shoulder.  He lives with a “Go get it attitude.”  And he provided a quote that I love, “Be where your feet are.”  Meaning, be present in the moment, not dwelling on past or looking very far into the future, just live in and appreciate today.

 Lerowne Harris, Qadree’s older brother, was shot and killed early on a Saturday before Ollison played for Pittsburg against NC State later that day.  He was not made aware that a former elementary school friend had shot his brother until after the game.  Ollison has only ever offered forgiveness and hope and prayers for his childhood friend.  

Ollison said that he had to provide forgiveness, so that he could move on from it.  “You can’t hold a grudge and move on, so I had to forgive.”  Qadree hopes that he inspires others to forgive and be able to move on from whatever life throws at them.  Because of this, he really doesn’t allow football to stress him out.  He is honored and blessed with his opportunities to play in the NFL, but is just going to do his work and not stress about football.  

 Thanks to Dukes and Bell for this interview….and making me cry as I listened and researched the story of Qadree’s brother Rome.

 

#RiseUp

 

FalconAlley Owt

 

Atlanta Falcons Qadree Ollison Dukes and Bell 2019 Draft RiseUp InBrotherhood

Rico Speaks to Andy-Randy

July 23, 2019

Ricardo Allen called in to the 92.9 Midday Show with Randy and Andy minutes after Day 2 of Training Camp practice ended on Tuesday, July 23.

Randy McMichaels and Andy Bunker were at Flowery Branch on Monday and were excited when they saw Ricardo take the field early in practice.  Tuesday, they were back in the studio, taking calls from Ricardo Allen.

 They first asked when Rico knew he was hitting the field actively on Monday.  Rico responded that he found out in their pre-practice meeting when he saw the assignments and his name was on the board, and was naturally very excited.

 Rico said that he felt good throughout all of his off season training and rehab, and was officially cleared for play on the field just before practice began.  He was excited and ready.  Rico was running the team with the plays planned for him.  During his healing process, Rico’s mindset was to get ready and motivate his two babies, to show them to muscle through hard times.  Rico is known for building others up, but really had to focus on himself this off season.  

 Asked about fellow 2018 injured defender, Keanu Neal, Rico stated that Keke looks really good, moving like he always did, feeling comfortable.  He was glad they got to rehab and now hit the field healthy back together.  

Rico stated that this season is even more special.  “You have to put life in perspective when you are injured and out.”  He said that you are so use to the consistency of practicing and playing, then suddenly life slows down and you sit around and think and focus on yourself.  You really appreciate every time you are on the field because you never know when it is the last play.

 Practicing in the rain on Day 2, you are sore from the previous day’s activities, but there were no complaints today, the team is focused, shaking it off and challenging each other, a super focused team.

 Asked about the relationship with Head Coach Dan Quinn and Quinn being the Defensive Coordinator this year, Rico agreed that DQ is more lit and woke this season, he is excited about the season, but on top of every detail and will not let anything go unsaid.  He knows the type of team compiled here.  Rico talks to DQ daily, they are really close as DQ helped develop Rico in his early years with the team.  DQ knows he can depend on Allen, as Rico wants to be called on to make the tough decisions and counted on for the win or the loss. 

Rico has been studying the offense as well as his own defensive responsibilities.  Asked, “how does a defense coordinator prepare for the Falcons?”  Rico said it would be really hard, too many awesome weapons, especially with Devonta Freeman back and more experience for Calvin Ridley, and the line looks really good.

 Rico told Randy and Andy that Damontae Kazee is talking to the receivers to pick their brains and figure out the best way to play at the NFL nickel spot.  Note that Kazee played Safety once Allen went down, and excelled and definitely made a starting spot for himself with his play last season.

#RiseUp

FalconAlley Owt

Four. More. Years….Of Grady Jarrett

July 16, 2019

 The day after the Atlanta Falcons and Grady Jarrettagreed to a new deal (just hours before the deadline) Jarrett joined Dukes and Bell on 92.9 The Game.

 Jarrett had agreed and signed to play under the Franchise Tag, but negotiations continued to work out a new contract.  He signed a 4-year, $68 million deal, to keep Jarrett in Atlanta until he is at least 30 years old.  There is a $42.5 million fully guaranteed, which will help the Falcons with the salary cap and other negotiations, while obviously benefiting Jarrett as well.  Note that Deion Jones signed a 4-year extension later in the day.

 Carl Dukes and Mike Bell host the afternoon show on 92.9 The Game and hosted an in-studio Q&A with Grady on Tuesday, July 16. 

Grady joins the show, notably in even better shape than last season.  He said he was not stressed about the negotiations, “Everything happens in due time.  I have put the work in and prepared to play under the tag or with the new deal.”

 Grady was prepared to let the process take care of itself.  As soon as the season ended earlier this year, Grady started preparing and training for this 2019 season.  He did enjoy family time, took some vacations and other off the field activities, such as his charity camps as well as other charity events.

 The ever humble Grady is going to focus on the task at hand and continue to improve.  He is “Thankful for where I am at.  Blessed.  I am motivated to perform even more now. So much more out there for me to accomplish – ready to go get it.”

 When asked if he is out to prove he is worth his new deal, he replied that he did not have to prove he was worth it, he has already done that.  Grady stated that, “No one can put more pressure or expectations on me than myself….whatever deal I had.  I am always hungry for more, always want to be better and drive for more.”  He considers himself a “Kid that came from nothing,” so anything he gets he legitimately works for.  

 On becoming a leader on the team, Grady stated that he is definitely a leader on the team.  His first year was a learning year, but he has always been a leader, respected in his role on the team.  “To much who is given, much is expected” that is why God put Grady on this earth.

 During the off season, Grady talked to Head Coach Dan Quinn and Falcons owner Arthur Blank some.  Everything was very respectful on both sides, he had no worries – just had to get the deal done.  He, as Julio Jones has noted, “Mr. Blank said I would be a Falcon for life.”  Grady noted, “If we came up to something we did, if not, we didn’t.  I am still playing the same.  Not taking it personal.”  The talks with DQ in off season were checking in and chatting – not football or contract based.  DQ legitimately cares about his players and just checks in on everyone.

 On DQ calling shots as the Defensive Coordinator, Grady said that he is excited.  He knows the Falcons have great players on every level, with more experience now, with young guys ready to step up.  There are new guys to the team.  And Adrian Clayborn is back.

 Regarding the new offensive line, Grady responded that they defensive line will be a good challenge for them and really pushing the O-Line.  As DQ says, iron sharpens iron, and that will help the defense get better as well.  He noted there is allot more beef on the line now and he is excited to go against these new guys.  However the battles turn out, there are many new guards and tackles acquired through free agency or the draft.  Grady commented that Chris Morgan is the offensive line coach and is out there yelling and getting them in shape.  It looks like the 2 first rounders are ready to come in and work.

Grady provided thoughts on the 2019 D.  He is excited to play with Tyeler Davison that was acquired through free agency from Saints.  They came out of college the same year, both in the fifth round.  Jack Crawford is attacking and looking good.  Big Shede (Ra’Shede Hageman) is back, Grady noted that he missed him as a teammate, the day in and out with Shede and his has picked up where he left off.  Second year DT, Deadrin Senat is hungry for success. Grady commented that having AC back is big.  John Kaminsky, rookie, is going to learn, he goes hard.  Excited to see Takk McKinley and (Clemson teammate) Vic Beasley, Jr. 

Grady said the best way to be good on this team is to be open to learn.  Coach Simpson is doing a great job.  DQ a defensive line guy, so the line knows they are getting good attention too.

 So, with all this new money (realizing as a 5throunder, Jarrett’s original contract was $2.5 million for 4 years) what is Grady going to do for himself?  He plans to pay off his house (purchased last year) and any other debt that he has.  Of course, he plans to take care of his mom top to bottom.  Grady plans to have his business in order, then put it away for his legacy.  Grady said, this is “Such a blessing and I don’t take it lightly.”  He doesn’t compare his deal to others in his position or on his team, he knows he is blessed to be where he is. 

 It is really Grady’s drive and heart that makes him special.  He said, “It’s the things I don’t show and put out there that contribute to my success.”  He recognized and appreciates his nutritionist to his massage therapist and anyone that contributes to what Grady is.

 The 2019 expectations:  Great to have everyone back healthy….Devonta Freeman is ready to tote that pill.  We have one of the best receiving corps in league.  D is happy to be back together.  We really missed each other.  We will do the work day in and day out.  We have a hungry coaching staff.  No excuses.

 Asked when Grady started his post season work out.  With no playoffs, he had extra time and started in January.  He actually originally said July and laughed like he had never done nothing.  Grady said he is as “strong as I have ever been” and works on his nutrition as well.  He does not have a cook, any cooking at home, he cooks himself.  He does have a good nutritionist.  Grady again commented, “Blessed with good people around me.”

 Grady’s work ethic and dedication is evident in everything he says and does, “The more work you put in, the more mutual respect” you have.  He said that the “Brotherhood” the Falcons use is not just a word, it is the action and respect.  “InBrotherhood” is real, when times get hard, you don’t fall apart, you have a sense of accountability to each other.  Tough love is still love, they know they can’t get in their feelings about things, come to each other with respect.

 Returning to the pre-Falcon days, when Clemson University was on the cusp, when they were near the big show, now, they are “dynasty-ish.”  “Clemsoning-good but go down” but Head Coach Dabo Swinneysaid “Clemsoning is winning.” They were always having 10-11 win seasons.  Dabo will tell you (and has nationally) said these teams and players laid the ground work for the champion seasons – and they teams know that and thank those players for that. Grady and Vic graduated and joined the NFL the year before the 2016 Clemson National Championship.  They were on the team with some guys that just one the 2019 Championship as well.  Dabo reminds them “this wasn’t overnight.”  To go to Clemson wasn’t a sexy thing.  The had a top 10 recruiting class, but now turning down 4 and 5 stars.  And players like Grady are an advertisement for that…moving into the NFL and being good, successful, contributing young men.

 Although it was trying waiting for college offers to come in, he admits that going to Clemson changed his life.  He was a 2 star recruit, visited USC, Florida, Alabama and because he was too short or not the right DT prototype, he was not offered anything from them.  After numerous visits, Dabo finally realized what Grady had to offer, and look at him now.  But Grady (and his mother) never doubted himself, what he could do, his heart.  Grady reiterated, put in your work, it is the story you don’t see that makes you.  Grady has always just put his head down and kept working. 

 Asked for final comments on what you would tell kids today (and what he does tell them at his kids camps.  Grady said, “Believe in yourself, no one else will.  When it is hard, keep going.  Keep grinding.  Don’t listen to anyone else.  Put the work in.  Do not worry about others and acceptance.”  You know yourself in your heart of hearts.

THIS is why I love Grady Jarrett so much and he is and has been my favorite Falcon since he arrived in Atlanta.  Also, I’m a Clemson fan.  But that doesn’t skew my judgement.

Thanks to Dukes and Bell for being the first guys to talk to Grady and for a great, long interview.

 

#RiseUp

FalconAlley Owt

Atlanta’s “Explosive” Offense, Not Explosive in Season Opener

Atlanta 12 at Philadelphia 18

September 6, 2018

The reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles hosted the Atlanta Falcons on the opening Thursday night of the 2018 NFL season.  The game was delayed nearly an hour due to storms in the area.

Inactives of note for the Falcons were Ben Garland, Blidi Wreh-Wilson, Josh Harris, and Isaiah Oliver.

Julio Jones, Matt Ryan, Grady Jarrett, Ricardo Allen, Matt Bosher, and Alex Mack represented as captains.  The Falcons lose the coin toss, but, as we would have done, Philadelphia deffered….so the Offense comes out first.

The opening kickoff was a touchback and the 2018 Atlanta Falcons season begins at the 25.  It begins with Logan Paulsen jumping off sides and we are 1st and 15 at the 20.  And the first OFFICIAL play is 10 yards to JULIO JONES.  Then, an end around to Ju, who stiff arms the defender and makes the first down….as a running back.  Ryan Schraeder makes two good blocks to open up the field for Devonta Freeman and a 20-yard run.  Two passes in a row fall incomplete and the Falcons face their first 3rd down of the game.  From the Eagles’ 45, Ryan in the shotgun, directs a confused line and passes to Julio for 33 yards, down at the 6.  Freeman goes up the middle to the 1-yard line.  2nd and goal, Fletcher Cox stops Freeman.  Freeman then taps the pass in the end zone and it falls incomplete.  On 4th and goal…..no receivers are on the field and Freeman goes far around the left side and is stopped at the 2.

The good news, the Philadelphia offense begins at the 2.  A quick run by Darren Sproles who is stopped for a 2-yard gain.  A pass for another couple of yards with Robert Alford quickly forcing the receiver out of bounds.  3rd and 4 from the 8 and Ricardo Allen breaks up the pass.  Again, the defense does their job and the offense should come back out with good field position.

Justin Hardy is back to receive the punt and returns it for a couple of yards, which is added onto with an unsportsmanlike penalty on the Eagles.

The offense comes out for their second possession of the game.  The pass to Mohamed Sanu is low and falls uncaught.  2nd down is a run by Tevin Coleman who runs up the middle for 5 yards.  On 3rd and 5, Ryan runs for the first down himself.  Now at the 33, Coleman runs along the outside and loses 3 yards, then catches the shovel pass and gains 23 yards.  From the 10, Ryan passes to Austin Hooper who managed to catch the ball nearly on the ground.  Eagles’ Head Coach, Doug Pederson challenged the catch.  The call was upheld and the Eagles lost their first time out and have one challenge remaining.  Just inside the 7, it is 2nd and goal.  Finding no one open, Ryan throws the ball out of the end zone.  Now, 3rd and goal, Ryan is sacked by Chris Long, but there is a flag for off sides on the defense.  The ball is moved to the 3 ½ yard line, Ryan throws toward Hooper, who was knocked down, but no penalty.  Finally, Money Matt Bryant comes out and easily puts the Falcons on the scoreboard.

img_7671Matt Bosher kicks it to the 1, where he ends up assisting with the stop at the 31.  Sproles runs 1 yard to the left side and is immediately stopped.  Takk McKinley was off sides on the next play.   At 2nd and 4, Nick Foles passes up for the first down, where the receiver was immediately wrapped up by Rocky.  Brian Poole highlights the next play with an immediate SACK for a loss of 7 yards.  Corey Clement gets the call and is stopped by Grady Jarrett for no gain.  On 3rd and 17, Takk has another movement penalty on the hard count.  Still 3rd down, now for 12 yards, Foles drops the snap…..Takk is all over Foles’ blocker, not allowing him to escape as Jarrett finally gets his leg to take him down.  The Eagles punt to Hardy, who lets the ball roll into the end zone.

First and 10 at the 20 and the pass goes thru Julio’s hands as the defender is wrapping him up.  Freeman and Coleman are both in, Freeman goes in motion as Ryan hands the ball to Coleman who is stopped in the backfield.  The first quarter ends with the Falcons leading 3/0 and the ball.

On 3rd down, Freeman is stopped behind the line and Bosher is on to punt from the end zone.  Sproles fair catches the ball with Justin Bethel just a few feet away.

The Eagles start their 3rd possession on their own 40 with a pass for a single yard where the receiver is met with De’Vondre Campbell.  A handoff to Jay Ajayi goes up the middle for 2 yards.  Foles drops back to pass to Nelson Agholor for the first down, in the arms of Rocky.  Next pass, to Agholor, slammed by Rocky and Rico.  On 2nd and 4, DeAndre Carter is wide open on the right side for the first down and more, pushed out of bounds by Poole.  Ajayi picks up 9 yards running hard of the middle.  He takes the ball again for the 2 yards for just short of the first down and is stopped by Campbell.  3rd and inches, Sproles uses some fancy footwork to gain the necessary inches and is tripped up by Campbell.  Takk had an arm on him, but was in a complete bearhug with the offensive lineman.  Continuing in the no huddle, Foles passes up the middle to Sproles, where he is slammed by Deion Jones.  On 3rd and 7 from the 17, Foles drops back and fires the ball to Wallace who is tapped by Desmond Trufant and he is called for the Pass Interference.  Keanu Neal is injured on the play, but walks off under his own power.  Damontae Kazee comes in for Keke.  Sproles runs up the middle, with the help of a hold, which is called and the Eagles are backed up to the 19 with a 1st and goal still.  Kazee was already in on the first tackle after entering the game.  Foles goes big to the end zone, but Dallas Goedert is out of bounds, being pushed out by Duke Riley.  Clement is met by Deadrin Senat and Brooks Reed.  3rd and goal from the 18, Zach Ertz catches the ball, but too far to go for it on 4th and goal. The game is now tied at 3.

The kickoff goes through the end zone again, and the Falcons will begin at their own 25.  Coleman takes the end around for a couple of yards.  Ryan opens it up and has a 23-yard pass to Julio.  Now near midfield, Ryan hands off to Coleman for a single yard gain.  On 2nd down, Ryan has a first down pass to Sanu, and tag on a roughing the passer penalty by Chris Long and the Falcons are suddenly on the 27.  Ryan cannot find a receiver and scrambles and slides at the 23, where he knocks his brace out of whack.  The Falcons take a timeout to get Ryan fixed back up.  With just over 2 minutes left, they removed the brace.  Ryan overthrows Sanu causing a 3rd and 8, where Ryan is sacked at the 34-yard line.  Bryant comes on, drops a 52-yard field goal like it’s an extra point and the Falcons lead again.

The kick-off is returned, where the returner keeps shuffling side to side to avoid Bethel and Kemal Ishmael, til Ish gets tired of that and lays him out.  Meanwhile, they also had a holding penalty, so the Eagles begin on their own 5.  Keke is back on the field.  Foles is in the end zone with Jack Crawford all over him and throws the ball at the feet of a covered receiver.  The 2-minute warning gives both teams time to regroup.  2nd and 10, Foles is nearly sacked in the end zone by Jarrett who is called for roughing the passer and the Eagles are given the ball at the 25.  Tru has good coverage on the receiver as Foles scrambles with Grady chasing him, and Tru is called for PI again.  A drop, then an errant pass, and the Eagles are forced to punt.

On the punt, the Eagles have a false start and must punt from the 30.  Hardy lets the ball go over his head, but it stops and the Falcons will begin at the 11 with a minute and a half until the half.  Ryan throws a quick pass for a first down to Julio.  Ryan’s first pass to rookie Calvin Ridley is knocked down before it reaches Ridley.  Ryan passes to Freeman for 7 yards.  On 3rd and 3, Ryan throws low to Julio who is covered tightly and cannot hold onto the ball.

As Bosher punts, another flag is thrown, a false start by Foye Oluokun.  Bosher hits another punt, where another flag is thrown, a personal foul on the Eagles, backing them up….the foul is on former Falcon, LeRoy Reynolds.  With 33 seconds until the half, the Eagles begins on their own 12.  Reed came across the line too soon.  Foles airs it out where Keke and Rico cover Wallace tightly.  With 2nd and 5, at the 17, the Eagles take a timeout as the 40 second clock expires.  The next pass is thrown out of bounds.  3rd and 5, Foles passes to Sproles who is short of the first down.  With 9 seconds to go and a 4th and 1, the Eagles call their final timeout of the half.

On the punt, Oluokun is blocked into the kicker and with 5 seconds left, the Eagles have another “gimme” first down.  They take a knee and go to the half.

Bosher is back out to kick to the back of the end zone, so Philadelphia will begin the 2nd half on their own 25.  Foles with the fake hand off and pass to Ertz for an 8-yard gain.  Ajayi gains 3 for a first down.  Foles is pushed back in the pocket, Keke jumps for a pass block, but Poole is in coverage on the receiver and stops a reception, nearly getting the interception.  However, Rocky is called for a 5-yard penalty.  Sproles runs into the defensive line for a 1-yard gain.  Play action, Foles throws a pass….nearly to Rocky, who cannot hold on for the first turn over of the season.  Agholor makes the reception for a short gain and has Tru on him immediately.  Keke is down again, with the same leg injured.  The Eagles punt again to Hardy who fair catches the ball at the 20.

Freeman gets the first call for an 8-yard gain.  Freeman in the backfield, picking up a block, gives Ryan time to get a quick, short pass to Julio for a first down.  A fake to Free and Ryan lobs the ball down the field to Julio for a 52-yard gain.  Called out of bounds as Julio was bobbling the ball as he fell and slid across the chalk, but DQ challenged the ruling and the ruling was upheld.  Under immense pressure, Ryan throws out of bounds and is called for intentional grounding. Now at 3rd and 24, Ryan throws across the middle to Julio for a few yards and Bosher punts again.

The Eagles begin at their own 37 and gain a quick 5.  Foles passes to Ertz who is stopped a yard short of the first down marker.  Ajayi gets the call and gains more than the needed one yard for the first down and the Eagles are across midfield. Foles drops back and is surrounded as his pass to Agholor falls incomplete in tight coverage by Debo.  Ajayi tries to juke through the middle, being met by numerous swarming Falcons, for a 5-yard game.  As we now see Takk sitting on the field.  Foles hands off then the ball is handed to Agholor, who passes for 15 yards to Foles and Tru takes him out of bounds.  Now…Tru is injured on the sideline.  Foles’ pass is low and incomplete.  Ajeya spins for 2 yards.  At 3rd and 8, Foles passes to an open Ertz, who gets to the 6-yard line, finally stopped by Rico with Kazee coming fast.  First and goal, a toss to Sproles who is knocked out at the 2 by Poole.  Now Debo is dinged up and has to come out for a play.  Takk is back on the field.  The first touchdown of the 2018 NFL season is by Ajayi and the Eagles take the lead 10 to the Falcons’ 6.

On the kickoff, that was a touchback, the Eagles still managed a penalty and the Falcons begin on their own 40.  Ryan hands off to Coleman who gains one yard.  Then a toss back to Coleman who runs for 6 yards is called back as Schraeder is flagged for clipping and a 15-yard penalty.  On 2nd and 25 from the 25, Ryan throws up to Hooper for a 15-yard gain.  3rd and 10 and time running out, Ryan drops back and the pass to Julio is perfectly defended and knocked out.

The Eagles being with another Ajayi run for a 4 yard gain, as we see Tru and Debo have returned to the field as well.  Foles drops back and passes to Ertz, which is called incomplete, while the D thought it was a turnover.  It’s 3rd and 6, with Vic Beasley holding Foles’ arm, he gets the ball to Ertz, but it is too low to catch.  Another punt to Hardy who returns a few yards, with another flag out, this time on Kazee for a block in the back.

Freeman gets the first call on this possession and gains 4 yards along the right side.  Ryan fakes to Free and lobs it down to the 15 to Julio, but the ball is slightly overthrown and Julio cannot get there.  On 3rd down, Ryan goes over the middle to Eric Saubert who catches then drops the ball.  Bosher on to punt again.

As the short punt rolls, 6 Falcons surround it to let it roll, but an Eagle touches it with their foot, and the Falcons quickly realize and cover the ball.  Now at the Eagles 32, Ryan nearly throws an interception, which would have been a Pick 6 because the defender and pass were behind the line.  Sanu reaches back to make the low reception as the 3rd quarter ends.

The fourth and final quarter of the game begins with the Eagles jumping off sides and giving the Falcons a first down instead of the sack.  A pitch pack to Coleman, who is stopped in the backfield, but then pushes through and gains 5 yards.  Coleman gets the call again for a couple of yards.  Freeman comes back in for the 3rd and 3 at the 15.  Ryan throws an interception at the 4-yard line.

The Eagles buy themselves some room with a 4-yard gain.  Another handoff gets close to the first down marker.  On 3rd and inches, Agholor runs for a big gain, up to the 29.  FINALLY….Kazee knocks the ball out of the receiver’s hands and bounces into Debo’s welcoming arms.  After a runback, the defense turns it back to the offense.  A pass to Ju, a run by Coleman….and we have our first TOUCHDOWN of the season.

With Josh Harris out, the long snapper hits Bosher with a bad snap which he bobbles, and Bryant’s extra point hits the upright and falls back into the field, so the Falcons lead by 2 with just under 10 minutes to go in the game.

Another Bosher touchback and the Eagles will begin at their 25.  Ajayi runs for 7 yards.  There is no room on the next run.  Foles passes up to Agholor, who is stopped by Debo, but a flag for pass interference calls it back and makes it 3rd and 14.  Grady is telling the D what they need to be preparing for, as Philadelphia is late getting the play and are forced to call their first time out of the 2nd half.  Foles fires up to Ertz who cannot catch the ball.  Hardy lets the punt go over his head and it rolls to the 20, another flag, on both teams, therefore there is a re-kick.  Not likely that Hardy will let this one roll past him again.  On this second punt, Hardy keeps the ball in front of him and it goes out at the 34.

With 7 ½ minutes to go, Freeman takes the ball around the right side and takes a loss, but Schraeder was holding so it is 1st and 20.  A pass down the line to Sanu is caught and now it is 2nd and 25.  Ryan is sacked, fumbles and Mack falls on the ball.  It is 3rd and 29.  Ryan drops back and throws up a few yards to Freeman, who manages to make a 12-yard gain.

Bosher on to punt to the 20 where Ish makes the stop at the 31, and a flag is on the field for Saubert and a huge facemask penalty.

The Eagles begin on their own 46.  Foles passes to Agholor for a few yards.  Foles goes deep to Wallace at the 2, but Rocky plays it perfectly and knocks the ball out.  3rd at 8 at the 48, Foles drops back under pressure and Sproles makes the reception and forces his way to the first down.  To Sproles again, Rico on the stop, after a 6-yard gain.  Ajayi goes up the middle for 2 yards.  Takk tweaks his leg again and is assisted off the field.  On 3rd and 2, Clement goes through the middle of the field untouched until Kazee catches him and saves the touchdown.  Clement runs again for a couple of yards.  Then, Ajayi takes the ball around the outside left and scores the touchdown, taking back the lead.  The Eagles succeed in their 2-point conversion attempt and lead 18 to 12 with 2:19 on the clock.

Ryan’s first pass is a 5-yard pass to Hooper.  Then, before the 2-minute warning, Ryan finds Julio for 36 yards.  Coleman is in as Free’s knee is tweaked.  An incomplete pass brings up 2nd and 10 with 1:50 and 33 yards to go.  Ryan is scrambling and slips at the 40.  As Ryan is inches from being slammed, he pitches it up 18 yards to a falling Julio.  The Falcons take their 2nd timeout.  Another pass to Julio for 9 yards to the 11-yard line.  Ryan is caught up in swarming Eagles and sacked.  3rd and 8 and a quick pass that Sanu snatches out of the air for the first down.  The final Falcons timeout of the game with 24 seconds remaining.  Ryan scrambles, runs towards the sidelines and throws it into the stands.  2nd and goal at the 10.  The next pass is just over Julio in the middle of the back of the end zone.  On 3rd down, Julio is double covered again.  Nearly sacked, Ryan throws a short incomplete pass.  Seven seconds remain for a final play that is way out of bounds, a flag is called on the defense.  Illegal contact.  So there is 1 second and 1 play left with the Falcons’ ball on the 5.  Julio and Sanu are both on the left side…..Ryan throws to Julio who falls out of bounds with the ball.

The Falcons begin their season 0-1 and will have extra time before hosting the Carolina Panthers on September 16, 2018.

#RiseUp

@FalconAlley OWT

Photos courtesy of the Atlanta Falcons