The Game Day Goods

That Defense Though…..

Jacksonville 13 at Atlanta 7
August 31, 2017
Allison Smith

So, clearly our defense is not going to be our trouble this year.  With many of the first teamers not playing at all in Game 4 of the Preseason, the guys that did play, were fighting hard to earn their spot on this roster.  Last week we had “Fumble Central,” this week was an “Interception Clinic.”  The back-up Falcons defense had 3 interceptions in the first half alone.  Blidi Wren-Wilson and Sharrod Neasman, tipped by Chris Odom, both had interceptions in the end zone to stop Jacksonville drives.  Jermaine Grace hauled in an interception as well and has played with good speed and has really been showing some good skills.

Noting that neither Matt Ryan nor Matt Schaub stepped foot on the field, the offense had another rough night.  After a quick 3 and out, Jacksonville was able to score quickly with a 43-yard pass for a touchdown.  Matt Simms was sacked twice in a single drive and Alex Torgersen threw an interception and was sacked late in the game.  Meanwhile, Matt Bosher had 6 punts, averaging 43 yards.

083117 Chris Odom Sack

Chris Odom Sack     Photo Courtesy:  Atlanta Falcons

The defense caused many long field goals and punts for Jacksonville.  Lots of speed, energy, and effort by the young guys Thursday night.  Odom finished with 6 tackles, an assist, a sack, a quarterback hurry, a tackle for loss, and may have played himself into a coveted roster position.

A few offensive stand outs were Deante Burton with 2 catches for 44 yards, Marvin Hall with a 65-yard gain.  Kelvin Taylor had a nice 24-yard catch from Simms early in the game, and Darion Griswold recovered a fumble for a touchdown, then later had a 51-yard catch from Alex Torgersen.  Overall, Sims showed himself well in all the preseason games.  So, all is not lost, even for our 3rd to 4th string team.

Reggie Davis returned one kickoff 22 yards, while Hall had an 8-yard punt return.  Punt coverage for the Falcons was better, or Bosher’s kicks were just too good.  But the kickoff coverage allowed 20 and 21 yard returns.

In the grand scheme, game 4 was pure evaluation for the bubble and not-even bubble guys.  We came out of training camp and preseason with no injuries (Devonta Freeman was fully dressed Thursday).  Head Coach Dan Quinn noted that he and Thomas Dimitroff have “Difficult decisions ahead regarding the roster.”  DQ said it will be a difficult, but exciting weekend ahead.  They both are really happy with the new rule to have a full roster through the end of preseason, to give more guys more chances to make a roster or show off their skills for other teams.

As for the most heated competition of the preseason…..Ben Garland and Wes Schweitzer at right guard, DQ commented that “both played at center and guard…pretty much have decision down…could see both playing,” which is what Allison said weeks ago….It will be interesting to see if Coach names a starter or just release the roster or cut list.

While we may not be winning in preseason, we have seen good speed on all 3 phases of the game, lots of team play, effort, and learning.

So now, we wait.

#RiseUp

 

Featured Photo: Courtesy of Atlanta Falcons – Brotherhood celebrates

FalconAlley Falcons

8pm – August 29

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

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

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

FalconAlley’s Official Roster (Guess)

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

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

#RiseUp

Featured Photo Credit:  Atlanta Falcons

Defense on Display

August 26, 2017

Arizona 24 at Atlanta 14

Allison Smith

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Feature Photo Courtesy of Atlanta Falcons

 

 

TD and DQ Speak Preseason

August 26, 2017

Allison Smith

Some quick outtakes from Thomas Dimitroff and Dan Quinn’s chat with Dukes and Bell on 92.9 Friday, August 25, 2017.

On the Mercedes Benz Stadium, it is a “real tribute to Arthur on what this team stands for.”

The team, in small groups, came in to tour The Benz Nest.  Many of the guys went on Instagram Live and shared their amazement at everything from the view as they drove to The Benz, the locker room, the of course the field and the view from there.  Everyone was excited to “be home.”  As that is what Owner Arthur Blank called it….saying “Welcome Home” to not only the players, but the fans of both the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United.  Mr. Blank said this was our stadium, not his.

DQ and TD were glad to have the team inside on Friday, to get accustomed to their parking location, the locker room set up, their entrance to the field, and last but not lest to go ahead and “get caught up in the lights,” so that on Saturday, the team just comes out to play!

TD commented on this year’s teams saying, “We’ve had some great stars, but as a complete roster, speed, athletic, etc…. this is the best (overall) roster this year.

As always, DQ is focused on preparing for the game, whether game planning, or evaluating, he commented, “The routine is important, but the readiness needs to be there.”  DQ is happy to have 4 full games to evaluate all 90 players as it give them all more opportunities to show what they can do.

Both DQ and TD are happy with guard play, the Right Guard position that Ben Garland and Wes Schweitzer are competing for.  No decision on a starter will be made until after the final preseason game.  But remember, even if you aren’t the RG starter, they have both had tons of time as backup center as well.  I still wonder if DQ will name a season long starter, or use them interchangeably until one really stands out with the first team, or an obvious chemistry is seen.  Realize that in the 2 preseason games so far, most starters, even O-Line have not played very long together.  As I mentioned in FalconAlley Squawks during the offseason, but guys were pushing and supporting each other, and DQ said, “can’t be more pumped with their training camp.”

TD is excited about this defensive line.  They took a “very direct and calculated approach…..with Vic Beasley, Jr., Adrian Clayborn, Brooks Reed, then bring in Takk McKinley and Dontari Poe, making this group a “very burly, manly group.”  “They like to compete.”

Both TD and DQ are excited with the addition of Bryant Young, noting that he was a “great player, but can articulate and teach” as a coach.  And if Young isn’t enough, you know DQ is very hands on with frontline D, and by hands on, we mean he is out there literally doing drills with the team.

On new Offensive Coordinator, Steve Sarkisian, DQ said that he “knew him and knew they could work together.”  On Marquand Manual, who has now moved up to Defensive Coordinator, DQ and Manual have had “6 years together – a clear vision to know how we wanted to coach.”  Both Sark and Manual will call plays from the sideline this week.

And our quote or lesson for the day comes from Dimitroff, “You win you win.  You lose, you learn.”  Hopefully this season, we just WIN.

#RiseUp

 

Featured Image Courtesy of 92.9 The Game

 

 

Competition Continues in Preseason Game 2

Atlanta 13 / Pittsburgh 17

August 22, 2017

Allison Smith

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

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

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

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

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

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

Takk
Takk McKinley Makes NFL Debut and Presence Known  – Photo Courtesy of Atlanta Falcons

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

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

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

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

#RiseUp

Cover Photo:  Atlanta Falcons