After being the most talked about team from night one, after taking a quarterback at 8 after just signing a $100 million quarterback in free agency, the Falcons rebounded with four back to back defensive players, filling current and future/rotation needs.
The Falcons moved up a few spots in the second round to take Clemson Defensive Tackle, Ruke Orhorhoro, just before a run on DT’s began. Then in the 3rd through 5th rounds, Linebacker Bralen Trice, DT Brandon Dorlus and another LB, JD Bertrand. With 3 picks in the 6th and final round for the Falcons, they drafted a Running Back, Wide Receiver and another DT. These will be development players, playing some on special teams and seeing if they stick on the team or not.
After being legit angry for nearly 24 hours, including driving 4 hours back from Atlanta, listening to 92.9 The Game the whole way, I was starting to calm down and buy in, but then triggered again, then calmer again. By the time the 2nd round pick came in, I was 15% less angry with Terry Fontenot and Raheem Morris. I had full faith until that 1st round pick, but trying to come around and believe they have a plan.
As a Clemson fan, I was very happy about Orhorhoro, I know he is a beast. I’ve heard his name 1000 times in Clemson games. I’ve seen how disruptive he has been and can be in the NFL. Ruke is excited to join former teammate AJ Terrell and another Clemson legend, Grady Jarrett….who he will be able to learn behind. Ruke wants to prove he was worth trading up for. At 6 foot 4 and nearly 300 pounds, he had 12 starts, 22 tackles, 8 for losses and 5 sacks in his last year at Clemson. And was even more often, around the ball. Ruke is versatile and can play any position on the line and was considered a top 5 DT.
Bralen Trice is out of Washington, the near 2023 National Champions, so you know he has good experience on the field and in big pressure situations. Trice will be a great edge rusher, which is a definite need for the Falcons and should be contributing early on. He started 15 games, amassed 49 tackles, 11 for loss and 7 sacks in his final season. Trice was the top player in all of college football in the last two seasons for pressures.
Not to confuse Bralen with Brandon….but in the 4th round, the Falcons drafted Defensive Tackle, Brandon Dorlus from Oregon. Dorlus will make a great addition to this line, whether starting or in rotation learning behind Jarrett and David Onyemata. Dorlus started 13 of 14 games with 25 tackles, 6 for loss and 5 sacks. At 280 pounds, Dorlus is a little small for a nose tackle, but is versatile and can move to other locations on the line.
Note that sacks are starting to add up already with these additions and you can’t outrun everyone, so if you escape Ruke, Bralen, or Brandon, there will be someone else waiting for you.
In the 5th round, the Falcons continue on their defensive draft and snapped up another Linebacker, JD Bertrand from Notre Dame. A homegrown product from Alpharetta, GA, making his family happy for short drives to home games. In 12 starts, Bertrand had 76 tackles, 7 for loss, and a forced fumble. He led the Irish in tackles in his last 3 seasons. Bertrand seems to match the current linebacking core in makeup, personality and play. Hopefully he will be the force that Kaden Ellis, Troy Anderson, and Nate Landman have been in their short times in Atlanta. Bertrand is likely not a day 1 starter, but has a great group to learn behind and grow with and rotate in quickly, specifically behind Landman.
All of these guys have played college since 2019, so they are a little older, but also more experienced and more mature. I believe that was intentional by Fontenot and Morris.
While trying to buy in to the draft so far, one must remember that the only constant over the last few years is Fontenot. Not only is the head coach new, his coordinators are new to being coordinators and everyone is bringing fresh eyes to the game. The guys just drafted (and obtained in free agency) fit what this new regime has planned.
Now, it gets a little sideways for me again, but going to try to assume that Fontenot and Morris have a plan. They are drafting and planning for their jobs, I just want to have a team to win games, they NEED this team to win, and win NOW.
In the 6th round, the Falcons had 3 picks and selected Alabama Running Back, Jase McClellan, Illinois’ Wide Receiver Casey Washington, and then another DT, Zion Logue from Georgia. McClellan and Washington will likely be on special teams for a while, but a roster spot is a roster spot. Logue is a straight up Nose Tackle at 6 foot 5 and 315 pounds. If he can learn and follow from the current defensive line, he can win a spot onto the final roster as well. These later rounds aren’t necessarily for finding starters, but diamonds in the rough, special teamers, practice squad guys.
One of my biggest questions is the lack of drafting a cornerback (CB2), but maybe he is already on the roster, he just needs to be coached up. Several were obtained in free agency (Clark Phillips, Kevin King, Antonio Hamilton) and others were already on the roster (Dee Alford, Richie Grant), so with new coaching, maybe he identifies himself in mini or training camp. I have to believe that Fontenot and Morris know they need a corner opposite of Terrell.
The second big question is money….isn’t it always? Can we pay everyone that we need to pay. As I type this, the Falcons exercised their 5th year option on Tight End Kyle Pitts. Terrell will need to be dealt with next year at the latest, it would be smart to lock him in now, just in case he gets even better. We don’t know if Calius Campbell is coming back….and if so, will he take a discount to stay one more year in The Atl? We don’t want to start restructuring too many contracts and get into the same mess we were in previously, but again, smarter people than me, that are fighting for their jobs know that.
The more I think that way, this isn’t “just” a job for Fontenot and Morris, this is their livelihood and you have to believe that Fontenot, for sure, is on a short leash. Being evaluated on what he can do separated from former coach Arthur Smith. Can Morris redeem himself as a head coach and take Atlanta to the promised land?
Seems that some of these picks, or lack of picks say that this coaching staff and GM think this team is set now and ready to “Win Now.”
With that said, I close by saying, when Raheem Morris was announced as the new Head Coach, and held his first press conference, while being so excited to have Ra back, tearing up some, I felt (and have told countless people) that I had a good feeling and am planning to travel to New Orleans next February to watch us win the Super Bowl. So, as the days move farther from the shock of the draft, I am still saving my time and money and planning on a Super Bowl win for my Falcons.
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. CordarrellePatterson 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, TevinColeman comes out to the 19. MikeWhite rolls to the right and passes for a 4-yard gain. On 2nd and 6, BrianHall carries for one yard, quickly stopped by CaseyHayward. 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 AdetokunboOgundeji and AnthonyRush (who just had the penalty). On 2nd and 13, under great pressure by LorenzoCarter, White gets the ball away to TyrekBlack for an 8-yard gain. On 3rd 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 2nd 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 2nd 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 GarrettWilson along the sideline, immediately stopped by CoreyBallentine, 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 ArnoldEbikitie 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 3rd 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, MikeFord makes the stop. On 2nd 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 DarenHall until out of bounds. A hold backs the Jets up 10 yards, on 2nd and 20 from the Falcons’ 46, White drops back, sets up the screen and hits Ty Johnson for a short gain. On 3rd and 18, a short pass to Jeff Smith is forced out by Ballentine. Another penalty, backs the Jets up, a 3rd and 27 White hits the receiver for 8 yards and is stopped by DeanMarlowe. 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 2nd 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 2nd 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 2nd 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 3rd down, Ridder from the shotgun, finds Allgeier at the one and is forced out of bounds. Offense stays on the field, 4th and goal from the 1, JalenMayfield 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 ErikHarris. From the 24, White is nearly intercepted by Ballentine who jumped high just in front of the receiver. Harris makes the 3rd 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 2nd 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 2nd 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 2nd 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 3rd 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 2nd 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 3rd 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 1st and 20 and runs the ball up the middle 7 yards. On 2nd down, Streveler passes close to the first down marker, but is stopped and slung out of bounds by Teez Tabor. On 3rd 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 2nd 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 HenryBlack 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 DeAngeloMalone.
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 1st 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, 1st 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 2nd 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 3rd 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 3rd 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.
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 2nd down, Davis goes for the first down. From the 35, Olamide Zaccheaus goes in motion, Davis up the middle for a yard. On 2nd 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 3rd 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 2nd 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 4th 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 2nd and 9 from the 11, Ryan throws low to Pitts, incomplete. On 3rd 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 2nd 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 3rd 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 4th 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 2nd 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 2nd and 10, a handoff Tyler Davison and Grady Jarrett in converge to stop the running back and force a 3rd 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 2nd 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 2nd 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 3rd 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 3rd and 10, Pitts makes the reception at the 25 forcing the 4th 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 2nd 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 2nd 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 2nd 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 3rd quarter time expires.
On 2nd and 6, Zaccheaus makes the reception. Ryan’s 5000th 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 2nd 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 2nd and 17 from the Falcons 47. A quick pass to Sharpe at the 45 leaving a 3rd 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 1st 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 2nd and 12, a high pass along the sideline to Pitts, who makes the reception, but only for 4 yards. On 3rd and 8, single receiver to the left, 3 to the right, Jake Matthews with the false start backing the Falcons up to 3rd 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 3rd 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 2nd 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 3rd 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 Unplugged is special PSL owners call, where PSL owners get to listen and watch Dave Archer interview a player or staff member of the Atlanta Falcons. Tonight, Owner Arthur Blank was on the hot seat. Archer introduced the call, but all questions were submitted by PSL owners before the call.
Mr. Blank immediately began answering fan questions. He said he is most excited that the 2020 season is actually happening. Mr. Blank saluted the NFL and doctors and teams and medical council to ensure everyone is healthy and safe, although he is definitely disappointed to not be able to see and have fans in attendance.
The team is excited and ready to go. They have had a really good, al biet odd, training camp. Mr. Blank noted that Head Coach Dan Quinn did a great job keeping in touch with the players via Zoom or in person. The coaching staff and players have all become experts in technology, and now on the field, they have a great energy and they are all ready to play.
With a great team, bulked up in free agency and the draft, Mr. Blank expects the team to pick up from 6-2 record at the end of the 2019 season and to play at that level and above at beginning of this 2020 season. In speaking with MattRyan, Matt feels strongly that we have the offense needed to win games. Our Defense ended ranked 8th last season, so they can continue to give us a competitive edge and give the ball quickly back to the offense.
One of the biggest challenges during COVID-19 is making sure everyone is healthy. Having a large family, 6 children and 6 grandchildren, Mr. Blank’s first focus was trying to keep everyone safe. Followed closely by trying to ensure the team is healthy and following all of the best protocols. Falcons CEO RichMcKay is very involved in the decision making for the NFL, so we are on the front line of making sure the Falcons are all healthy. We are hoping to have some fans in the building in October. But we will protect our fans and ensure they are safe first.
The NFL requires a family to own the organizations/teams, so the ownership is on the owner to take the financial impact of no fans and decisions can be made with the good of the fan, not a corporation in mind. The good news is, the golf business is booming. So, Mr. Blank is financially ok with the no fans….for now. The loss of revenue will not changes the aggressiveness in the team, going after the best players, paying players, or any changes to the stadium and services once re-openend. MercedesBenzStadium continues to be ranked number 1 or 2 in all fan experience polls.
Mr. Blank serves on the NFL social justice league, organizations including the active and retired players, and numerous other committees and organizations. He remains very in touch with all of the discussions and will be truly listening to the social injustice issues that are facing America today. The NFL overall is making huge financial investments in communities and organizations helping those communities. In Atlanta, there is a social action committee on the team, made up of players that volunteered because of experiences or desire to serve. These players steer discussions to affect their home communities, shoulder to shoulder with the team and NFL to affect change. It is not about making instant change, but continuing to move the ball down the field toward constant change.
Mr. Blank encouraged everyone to ensure that they vote in the elections. He quoted a discussion with the late JohnLewis, “The most significant protest you can do is to vote.”
To be an Atlanta Falcon, you have to be a good person and give back to the community, not just a good player. As an example, all of the current Team Captains are deeply involved in the community, through donations, volunteering, creating their own charities, and going into the community to lift them up and build partnerships.
Mr. Blank continues his support and praise of Dan Quinn. He noted that midway through the season last year, Quinn recognized and made the change to the coaching staff and some player reassignments. He realized he had spread himself too thin. Quinn has kept to the decisions made late last season, to not be diluted, and let the responsibilities lie where they were. Quinn really believes and lives Brotherhood, it isn’t just a cool slogan.
Although Matt Ryan is the franchise quarterback, the plan for the future, is to possibly play into his 40’s. Mr. Blank commented that Matt is in the best shape of his career, he’s smart and motivated. He is moving quickly and always taken excellent care of himself, still putting up Hall of Fame statistics. He is a leader on the team and becomes more dominant as time progresses. He is always early in and late out of Flowery Branch. One of the best, if not the best, draft move the Falcons ever made. At some point in time, there will be a discussion with Matt and make a mutual decision the years are coming to an end.
Joking with General Manager Thomas Dimitroff, Rich McKay, and Dan Quinn, Mr. Blank suggested cutting the salary of some of the defenders since they will greatly enjoy getting to knock Tom Brady around twice a season, as the new Tampa Bay quarterback. He reiterated that he was joking. But what a joy for those left over from the SuperBowl season to see Brady twice now.
Asked about the rivalry with the New Orleans Saints, Mr. Blank commented that the Falcons still have the win advantage over them, and it is a heated rivalry, no matter the yearly record. It is always very competitive. The NFC South is always competitive and will be even more so this year. Carolina has coaching and quarterback changes, the ever-consistent Drew Brees, and the New England transplants into Tampa Bay.
After purchasing the team in 2001, Mr. Blank has changed personally from his early ownership days. H now realizes that the highs are never as high as the lows are low. “The losses are like daggers, especially certain kinds of losses.” The wins are great, but you have to turn around in a day or two to prepare for the next game. As an early owner, he would take everything home and personally, really feel deeply for the fans, players, families, but realized you have to let it go and not let it ruin or interlope into relationships and daily life. And here I am still pouting and being mean to people have the week after a loss.
Mr. Blank has also learned that you cannot just change coaches on a whim, there is so much related to the head coach, to the rest of the staff, the players that fit into that scheme. There is so much transition time, you need to value the continuity in coaching and the general managers and other staff. Everyone is still held accountable, but let them gel and create consistency. The most successful teams over time have maintained consistent leadership and tweaked other things.
Mr. Blank referenced his book, “Good Company,” noting his 6 core values, and his goal that he learned from his mother, Molly, “You do the right things, for the right reasons and live with the consequences.” Mr. Blank said that, “I live my life with purpose.”
Mr. Blank realizes his responsibility to the fans. Fans do not only give their money, but their time, their support, their enthusiasm – and he wants to bring rings to the city and fans and team.
Mr. Blank ended the call with a “Thank you – Stay Safe and May God bless you all.”
I could not be prouder to call Mr. Arthur Blank my owner.
It is a beautiful pre-Halloween weekend in Atlanta. The roof to MercedesBenzStadiumis 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,GradyJarrettalmost hasRussellWilsonin 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 byIsaiah 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 oldMatt Schaubat the helm, his first couple of plays are hand-offs toDevonta Freeman, which go for nothing behind no blocking. Then Schaub findsAustin Hooperfor a big first down. Freeman has a short run and then a short catch to keep the ball moving. Calvin Ridleycan’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 toJulio Joneson 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 findsJustin Hardyfor 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 aWes Schweitzerfalse 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 Joneshas his first tackle of the game, waiting on the ball carrier to come to him, but makes the stop. De’Vondre CampbellandDamontaeKazee combine for a tackle. At the 33, Beasley steps up for the sack, but instead, Wilson findsTyler Locketfor a first down. Several plays later, on a 2nd and 4,DK Metcalfis 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 TEJaeden 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’sMychal Kendricksfor the interception.
Foye Oluokontrips 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 CBKendall 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 Carsongets 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 toLuke Stockerand 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 anAlex Mackhold. 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, thenBrian Hillcomes 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 byRicardo Allenand Jarrett and a quick stop by Beasley. GRADY JARRETT gets the Sackon 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 behindRussell 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, thenDavid Moorefor 23 yards wide open byBlidi Wreh-Wilsonwho trips Campbell and Kazee finally makes the stop at the 47. Several short rushes, stopped by the line, then Tyeler Davisongets 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 toJacob 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 McGaryhas a false start. Schaub finds Hardy for 15 yards, misses Gage, then back to Hooper for 14 yards, mostly after the catch. On the 1stdown, Schaub finds Gage on the sideline for 5 yards, then under pressure, he throws towards Jones, he is knocked down with no penalty called. 3rdand 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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